Breathing Matters Newsletter

Newsletter Issue 1 – Spring 2011 Launch of Breathing Matters Follow on Twitter Coming soon!

Inside This Issue  The Launch

 Who Are We?

 A Day In The Life

 FUNdraising Inspirations

 Spring Quiz On 19th January 2011, Breathing Matters was launched. Professor Geoffrey Laurent, Director of the Centre for Respiratory Centre (CRR), was joined by his team of scientists and researchers as well as respiratory doctors from University College Hospital. The launch was attended by 120 patients and relatives. Speakers included Dr Jo Porter, Malcolm Weallans and Manjiry Tamhane who spoke about topics ranging from living with respiratory disease through to the importance of patient support in shaping Answers can be found on our future scientific research and ways you can directly help us. Scientists and doctors website: were on hand to talk about their current research and answer many probing questions. Feedback from the event was very positive; many patients and relatives had not heard www.breathingmatters.co.uk of the work of the CRR and gained hope by our efforts. Also, many scientists were 1. Oxygen and what other gas inspired by meeting the patients whom their work helps. is exchanged in the lungs? A big thank you to all who came along and made the evening an entertaining and 2. How many bones are found successful one. in the human hand?

3. When was the UK Emergency Who Are We and What Do We Do? Number 999 first introduced? Breathing Matters is the new Centre for Respiratory Research fund which is part of the UCLH 4. What is the medical term for Charity (Reg No 229771). It has been set up to raise awareness, provide patient support and low blood sugar? help find a cure for respiratory diseases. The focus of our research is into pulmonary fibrosis, lung infection and lung cancer, although our research touches on other diseases. 5. On a prescription, what does

‘qid’ mean? Breathing Matters supports the CRR in their commitment to find better ways to diagnose and treat respiratory diseases, but to also encourage patients, their families and friends to become 6. What is the biggest organ in actively involved as advocates, advisors, fundraisers or even participants. your body? For ways on how you can become involved, visit our website www.breathingmatters.co.uk

A Day in the Life … of a Scientist - Lindsey Edwards

…I work in the CRR as a postdoctoral research associate. I have been CHARITY BIKE RIDE researching bacterial infections in the lung. Specifically, I investigate a

Sunday, 12th June 2011, bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae; how during infection of the lung

10.30am this bacterium migrates across the lining of the lung, leading to inflammation,

Please join us to cycle 7 miles Pneumonia and Empyema. around the beautiful Richmond My day consists of designing and carrying out experiments in the laboratory;

Park. recording, critically analysing and evaluating the data that I have generated. I

There are only 30 places so also attend meetings to liaise with funding bodies and present work to please book early to secure collaborating groups as well as at national and international conferences. your place.

Cycles are available for hire at The job is hard work and can often involve long hours, but the reward is in

Richmond Park. knowing that, in the future, your work makes a difference and may contribute

There is no registration fee, to the alleviation of patient’s pain, suffering and loss of life due to disease. and no minimum sponsorship. Looking back, would I change my job? The answer is simply no; I love being a

We just ask you raise as much scientist. as you can! A prize will be Unfortunately after writing this article, Lindsey's contract and research stopped given to the biggest fundraiser. due to lack of funding. Cyclists will receive a commemorative T-shirt, goodies and a completion FUNdraising Inspirations: certificate.  Coffee morning/Wine tasting evening  Auction of promises  Sponsored knittathon  Cake bake For a registration form, please  Make us your charity of the year  Trivia quiz contact us on  Join in on one of our events [email protected]  Donate via www.justgiving.com/breathingmatters