Martin exercises his lungs!

5.17.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd May 2008

Martin Horwood helps the British Lung Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of healthy lungs

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood helped the British Lung Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of healthy lungs at the House of Commons on Wednesday 7th May.

The British Lung Foundation is urging members of the public of all ages to protect their lungs and to keep them healthy by taking regular exercise. Martin helped to demonstrate how exercise like cycling or brisk walking allows the lungs to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the working muscles, helping to keep us fitter and healthier. The BLF also wants people to protect their lungs from smoke and other substances because any resulting damage cannot be repaired and reduces the amount of oxygen absorbed into the blood from the lungs.

Martin said: "I suffered from a lung condition myself when I was young so I know how important this is, and I'm delighted to support the British Lung Foundation's campaign to encourage us to look after our lungs. We don't realise how fragile our lungs are and what an important job they do in keeping us mobile and active."

Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: "We are pleased that Martin is supporting our campaign. Lung disease is the UK's second biggest killer so it's vital that people understand how important it is to take more care of their lungs."

Anyone who wants more information about the British Lung Foundation or about COPD should visit www.lunguk.org or call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.