Big Breakfast launch for lung health awareness project

The launch pad for the campaign was a Big Breakfast at the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae.

The balloons, fluttering majestically in the sea breeze drifting in from Portballintrae Harbour as they were suspended from a car provided by Halliday Cars, also signalled the new progressive image of the British Lung Foundation, of which Breathe Easy Causeway is a subsidiary.

Dr James Cant, Head of BLF for Scotland and Northern Ireland, in welcoming guests to the breakfast, took the opportunity to highlight the major campaigns for BLF in Northern Ireland over the next few years “The British Lung Foundation campaigns tirelessly to improve health across the UK. One of the best ways in which anyone can improve their health, or the health of those around them, is by quitting a smoking habit. This is particularly important when children are affected.

“We’re asking governments across the devolved nations to be really proactive in their upcoming tobacco control strategies. That’s why we’d like to see an end to the practise of smoking in cars while children are present, so that nobody is left vulnerable to the damage caused by second-hand smoke.”

The happy dinners were thoroughly entertained to the soothing melody by a local harpist Kathy Bustard. Mrs Elaine Anderson Principle of Ballytober School kindly organised and supported this local event with young musicians from the school choir accompanied by Mrs Gwen Cochrane on the piano.

Marie Hegarty, Breathe Easy Chairperson, said: “Our Group, based in Coleraine, has been growing in strength over the past decade. This is all part of our drive to spread the message of good lung health to the more isolated rural areas. We are delighted with the support we are receiving from our local community.”

Breathe Easy Causeway are indebted to Trevor Kane, proprietor of the Bayview Hotel and his staff for their support and generosity in this successful initiative.

Also Lex Halliday and his staff at Halliday’s cars for generous prize donated which was won by Mrs Tracey McPeake. Mrs Sandra Hunter Chairperson of Moyle District Council, Mrs Hazel Wilkinson and Mr John Bustard all played a pivotal role in the planning of this event.

Superb raffle prizes were kindly donated by, Bayview Hotel, Mr and Mrs Robert Doherty, Darren Clarke, SurfSUPNI, Sarah’s shoes, Miss Carolyn Blair, R H Gault, Winsome Lady, friends and family.

Mrs Nessie Blair MBE, Development Officer for BLF in Northern Ireland commended Breathe Easy Causeway on all their hard work she said: “ Breathe Easy groups make up our support network. They provide a community of friends who understand what it is like to live with a lung condition. We are delighted that this exciting awareness drive has been such a success”

A poster competition was organised by BLF and judged at the Big Breakfast by Dr James Cant. First prize was won by Aoibhinn McCloskey and Matthew Milner, second prize Maria McAleese and third prize Annie O’Kane (pictured at Big Breakfast).

Breathe Easy Causeway Chair and committee would like to thank all those who attended this event midst wintery weather and also all who generously donated or helped in any way.