A new support group for those affected by pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung disease has been set up with Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, helping with its launch.

Stephen McPartland MP said, "I know, as Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Respiratory Health, how important these local support groups are. They really do help make a difference to the patients and families as they come to terms with the illness. Respiratory Disease is the third biggest killer in the UK and take many forms, sadly Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is one of the most aggressive with few people surviving more than five years after diagnosis."

The Stevenage-based support group covers the East & North Herts area, and has been set up by Laura Bygrave and Alison Stirton-Croft, Pulmonary Rehab Physiotherapists, and with involvement from the charities Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the British Lung Foundation.

Further information is on the APF website www.actionpulmonaryfibrosis.org or to sign up to the support group please call the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team on 01462 478783.

Click here if you would like to help Stephen make a difference