A MUM whose baby son was admitted to a hospital with breathing difficulties has quit cigarettes and put on her running shoes to raise money for the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, reports Ellis Butcher.

Lynne Humphreys, 30, of Kirkbarrow, was convinced her smoking may have had something to do with her then 14-month-old son, Cavan, being taken into hospital in July last year.

The youngster had breathing problems and was given an oxygen mask, inhalers and steroid tablets after contracting a viral-induced wheeze last summer.

The day after he was released from an overnight stay at the hospital, Mrs Humphreys gave up her 15-year smoking habit, despite being assured that his illness stemmed from a cold and not passive smoking.

Mrs Humphreys now plans to walk from Kendal to Windermere with neighbour and mother-of-three Paula Bateson to raise money for the Children's Unit at the hospital as a way of thanking them for the care of her son and to celebrate a year of being nicotine-free.

She said: "Because of the problem he had, I thought what am I doing smoking!' I didn't smoke in the house or around him but I still blamed myself.

"I was very concerned because he was really struggling to breathe and he was screaming all the time. We just couldn't console him at all. As well as my husband, he is the most important thing in my life."

To help her fight giving up smoking, Mrs Humphreys tried nicotine patches and went to a Kendal-based Cessation Group once a week, which helps with support.

She said: "Giving up was not as bad as I thought - once you get through the first month. I have now got to stop myself eating chocolates!"

Between now and when the walk takes place on July 5, Mrs Humphreys and Mrs Bateson, who admit to being "unfit," are doing some training.

"It's quite a challenge for two non-walkers," said Mrs Humphreys.

To sponsor the pair, donations can be left in the special box at the Fun Factory on Parkside Road, Kendal, or cheques, made payable to Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust Royal Lancaster Infirmary, can be sent to Mrs Humphreys' home address at: 64 Kirkbarrow, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5DE. Alternatively, she can be contacted on 0792-948-4661.

"I would like to raise £500, so if we get up to £700, it would be great," said Mrs Humphreys.

The Cessation Group can be contacted on 01524-845145.

May 22, 2003 16:00