Newsletter Spring 2019 Edition

Spotlight on…Bolton Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group It’s been a busy first year for the Bolton Support Group – and now they are set to make an impression for many more years to come. Here’s the story of their first year supporting people affected by pulmonary fibrosis and their families in the northwest. wsletter

The group was launched in February 2018 following the first idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis rehabilitation programme held at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
The local Bolton Community and Voluntary Services Hub was chosen as the group’s venue as it has a disabled-friendly environment with ample parking and is a natural meeting place for many local groups. It was through the CVS that Steve Milward learned about the opportunity to apply for a Health and Wellbeing grant. After a free seminar and guidance on how to make a successful bid, the group was finally successful in September 2018. They were granted a fantastic £4,195 for two years as part  the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

Group organisers John Latham and Steve Milward with Support Group Co-ordinator Lorna McLauchlan
Top Tip: Check out what grants are available in your area to support local voluntary groups. You can do this by contacting your local council.
The support group then took to the airways in November. Steve, John Latham and Lorna McLauchlan, APF’s National Support Group Coordinator, were interviewed on Bolton 96.5 FM community radio station. They promoted the group and talked about pulmonary fibrosis, how it affects
day-to-day life and how support groups can help both patients and their families.
However, the most exciting development for the group was when they were chosen as one of only 80 recipients to receive a commemorative oak tree
and time capsule as part of Manchester Airport’s 80th birthday celebrations. As chair Steve explains.

“The time capsule has been planted alongside the tree and includes an item from Manchester Airport and others chosen by the group including information about present day knowledge of the disease, the names of the members of the Bolton Support Group, along with the consultants who are treating and supporting them. With the usual lifespan of an oak tree being around 300 years, and some living over 1,000 years, the time capsule is a fantastic opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis Newsletter To see more pictures of the Time Capsule and its contents along with pictures of the Tree Planting Ceremony click here