WALKERS will be raising funds for fans to help patients with respiratory conditions this weekend.

The six mile 'Breathe Bright Rest Easy' walk starts off at Urban Reef, near Boscombe Pier, at 10am on Sunday, April 24, and passes along the promenade to Branksome Chine.

Funds raised through sponsorship and donations will be used to buy Dyson fans to help patients at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital's (RBH) respiratory ward breathe more easily.

University of Winchester academic Dr Denise Hewlett, who is behind the scheme and whose mother died from Bronchietasis, hopes the walk will raise £5,000.

"More than 800,000 people per year in the UK die from respiratory disease," she said.

"Many of these deaths could be prevented through better patient research and care as well as raising awareness of the causes of respiratory disease.

"Through Breathe Bright Rest Easy we have a chance to see real change to address these voids in care in our region."

The fans help inpatients breathe by reducing temperatures and should help patients fight infections.

Cash raised will also go towards buying nebulisers and other respiratory equipment needed to help respiratory patients take their medication in their own homes, with the support of nurses from the Dorset Adult Integrated Respiratory Service.

As well as the walk itself, there will be an art raffle at Urban Reef at 5pm on the same day.

The scheme is supported by the University of Winchester, AMBER (Action Management Before Emergency Risk) community nursing team, the Dyson Foundation, Phillips Medical, Henley’s Medical, Waitrose Winton and Ringwood and Danny Cartoons.

Debbie Anderson, the Trust's head of fundraising, said: "Denise has done an amazing job of raising money for Bournemouth Hospital Charity and the fans she has already funded have benefited patients on our respiratory wards.

"The walk will be a fantastic day where those taking part can enjoy our beautiful seafront while helping others and we hope the event is a huge success."

To sign up for the walk or for more information, visit www.breathebrightresteasy.co.uk, or donate at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/breathebrightresteasy.