NOTTINGHAM, England (July 13, 2006) – Luxfer recently announced plans to support the British Lung Foundation (BLF) by providing start-up grants totalling £1,250 for five new “Breathe Easy” groups across the Midlands.

Lung disease—asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis and lung cancer—affects eight million people in the U.K. ‘Breathe Easy’ is part of the BLF support network that extends across the country. The 136 nationwide groups offer mutual support, advice and information to all those affected by lung disease.

Caroline Johnson, BLF Support & Development Manager for the Midlands, said: “People often take breathing for granted until they or a loved one develops a problem. Our ‘Breathe Easy’ groups help to highlight the plight of the many millions who find it a struggle everyday to even get out of bed due to shortness of breath. We welcome these start-up grants from Luxfer; they will help us to support more people affected by and living with lung disease in the Midlands.”

Grants of £250 each for the five new areas—Buxton, Bourne, Newark, Retford and North Nottingham—will enable groups to find and book venues, to meet regularly and to set up communications networks, including newsletters, to keep members and their families fully informed and in contact with healthcare professionals.

Vicky Butler, Luxfer’s European Marketing Manager added: “People with lung conditions and those who care for them often feel isolated from the outside world. These new ‘Breathe Easy’ groups will help provide much-needed support for members, as well as offering an opportunity for respite and specialist advice.”

The British Lung Foundation is the only U.K. charity working for everyone affected by lung disease, providing support for affected people today and working in a variety of ways, including funding world-class research, to bring about improved treatment, care and support for the future. BLF provides information via its website, www.lunguk.org, and telephone helpline: 08458 50 50 20.