A SUPPORT group for people with lung problems is in danger of closing because it cannot find a chairman.

Breathe Easy, which has been going for 18 years, supports people affected by lung conditions, and their family and friends.

The group needs a volunteer chairman to take charge of its meetings, twice a month, or it may have to shut.

Rosemary Hadert, spokes-man for the group, said: “We are a huge group, with more than 300 members and we really need a chairman.

“If we cannot find the best person to chair our meetings, we are in grave danger of having to close.”

The Basildon group was originally the only one in the county for people suffering lung problems and diseases.

At one point, it had more than 600 members.

The group went through a difficult time in September when six committee members stepped down, but it worked hard to find replacements.

Mrs Hadert added: “We have filled those spaces and now just need someone who is willing to be chairman, to come forward.

“It is a lovely group and our talks each month don’t just offer information about lung conditions, it also offers a bit of respite to family, friends and carers and also some social time for the sufferers.”

Breathe Easy Basildon is one of more than 200 similar groups across the UK, which are all part of the British Lung Foundation’s support network.

The Basildon group meets on the third Thursday of the month, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm, at Noak Bridge Village Hall, in Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge.

For more information on the group, call Mrs Hadert on 01268 415036.