The BREATH Project

That the Parliament congratulates the BREATH (Borders and Regions Airways Training Hub) Project on its public engagement outreach to schools across Dumfries and Galloway; notes that the Project is a collaborative research partnership, supported by €7.7 million (£7 million) of EU INTERREG funding, between the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), the Smooth Muscle Research Centre as part of Dundalk University and the Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine at Queens University in Belfast; understands that the aim of the BREATH Project is to tackle Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through complementary resources, therapies and developing a greater understanding of the health-related, environmental and situational causes of the disease; welcomes that the Project researchers have visited three schools in Dumfries and Galloway, Belmont and Drummore primary schools in Stranraer and the Rhins, and Kirkcudbright Primary School in Stewartry, to explain to pupils about lung health and lung disease and to raise awareness of COPD; notes that each school received a BREATH certificate of excellence in completing the Lung Health in Schools Challenge, and congratulates the pupils and teachers on their efforts, and wishes Professor John Lockhart from UWS, and all who are part of the BREATH Project every success as they continue their vital work.