Rachel Smart, 36, wanted to give something back after her parents, Marquis and Annie Charles, of Lupset, were treated at the respiratory ward at Pinderfields Hospital.

They both suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung condition which was a factor in Mr Charles' death last July when he was 74, and Mrs Charles' in November 2004 at age 80.

Mrs Smart, of Townley Road, Lupset, was a carer when both her parents had health problems, and said she was moved by the support offered by the hospital staff who treated them over several years.

The Westgate Cheerleaders member has organised a sponsored bag pack at Asda on Saturday with the rest of the dance group to raise much-needed cash for the unit.

She said: "The ward is a massive unit and needs a lot of equipment. They were great when my parents were ill. They gave us a lot of support and would often let us stay beyond visiting hours. I just wanted to do something to help."

About one million people in the UK suffer from COPD, an umbrella term which includes the conditions chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

It causes a narrowing of the airways and flare-ups which lead to chest infections and admission to hospital, mainly in people over 40.

Mrs Smart said: "It is an underlying condition which is a common illness and it gets worse as people get older. It has been a big part of all our lives. It is something that affects a lot of families and needs recognition."

The group will be at the Asda store on Asdale Road, Wakefield, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, May 17.