The fourth annual ‘Get Breathless for COPD Cycle’, which aims to raise much-needed funds for COPD Support Ireland and pulmonary rehabilitation services, is now open for registration, and all pharmacists, doctors, allied healthcare professionals and cycling enthusiasts are invited to participate.
Supported by A.Menarini Pharmaceuticals and held in partnership with COPD Support Ireland, the 2019 cycle takes place across the scenic Ring of Kerry this Saturday, June 15th.
The Ring of Kerry cycle covers approximately 170 kilometres, and on the day support cyclists will be on hand – as will cyclists with all levels of expertise and experience.
The Department of Health estimates that almost 500,000 people aged 40 years and over in Ireland have COPD, of whom over 200,000 have moderate or severe disease and only half are likely to be diagnosed. [i] COPD Support Ireland is a national charity which advocates for patients and provides access to peer support and community-based exercise programs.[ii]
According to Professor JJ Gilmartin, Chair of COPD Support Ireland the aim of the event is twofold: to raise general awareness of the burden of COPD in Ireland, and of the need for better pulmonary rehabilitation services across the country.
“Exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation play an essential role in the management of symptomatic patients with COPD: helping to decrease symptoms, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, reduce bed-days, and ultimately increase patients’ physical activity”, said Prof Gilmartin. “The money we raise will go directly to patient support, particularly pulmonary rehabilitation; services for which are severely lacking in Ireland. I would encourage as many of my colleagues as possible to join us on June 15th.”
Francis Lynch General Manager, A. Menarini Pharmaceuticals Ireland, adds, “A.Menarini Pharmaceuticals is delighted to be involved with this positive initiative for the fourth year running. Since the first year of the cycle, in 2016, participants have helped raise over €43,000 for COPD Support Ireland.”
To register for the cycle, and for all logistical information, visit: https://www.giv2go.com/fundraising-events/get-breathless-for-copd-2019-127?page=1
[i] O’Connor, D., Hurley, M., McCormack, M. and O’Connor, P., 2018. Respiratory Health of the Nation 2018. Ireland: Irish Thoracic Society.
