THE people of Bolton are being urged to keep their airways clear and raise cash for charity too.

The British Lung Foundation is challenging people across the country to keep their lungs healthy for this year's Breathe Easy Week - May 30 to June 7 - and raise funds for important research into lung disease.

As part of its awareness campaign the charity is urging people to challenge friends or colleagues to one of the following "step ups";

Take the stairs instead of the lift to work - or face a fine from your colleagues.

Work out on a step machine at the gym.

All money raised through sponsorship and fines will go to help the five million people in the UK living with lung disease breathe more easily.

The week will also raise awareness of the British Lung Foundation's Breathe Easy Club, the nationwide support group which offers up-to-date information and advice on all lung diseases and enables people in similar situations to share their experiences and offer mutual support.

Lung disease is the third biggest killer in the UK and is responsible for more than a fifth of all deaths.

The disease can affect any age group at any time. The causes of lung disease include premature birth, wheeze during childhood, damage caused by smoking, the role of the environment and genetic predisposition.

For information about events happening in the Bolton area during Breathe Easy Week contact the British Lung Foundation at 78, Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8JR. Tel 0171 831 5831.

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