Your stories

A diverse group of people gathered in a bright, open room for a support session. In the center of the gathering, one individual holds a guitar.
Your stories

“I didn’t know what my world was going to be like.”

After a battle with Covid-19 left Monica in a coma for two months, she didn’t know what the future held. But through her community support group, she found community, hope, and happiness.
An image of Boehmeria platanifolia
Your stories

Meet the life-giving plants of the Asthma + Lung UK garden at Chelsea Flower Show

The Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space garden celebrates the connection between nature, wellbeing, and healthy lungs. Here’s our guide to some of the key plants of this special space.
An image of Jennie sat in her garden smiling at the camera
Your stories

I wish mum had felt able to ask for help sooner, and to feel less alone

Zoe’s mum, Jennie sadly passed away from COPD in December 2025. She feels that her mum didn’t seek help because of self-blame around smoking. Here Zoe tells us why it’s so important to help people feel less ashamed and more supported.
A photo of Jamie, his wife and their two children
Your stories

Running this marathon is about more than the distance - it's about facing fear

Jamie's heart ‘stopped for four minutes' after sudden asthma attack in 2021. On the 5th anniversary of this life-changing event, he’s running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK. Here he tells us about it.
An image of Karen wearing work out clothes and holding dumbbells
Your stories

Pulmonary rehabilitation has really helped me feel like me again

Karen was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a type of pulmonary fibrosis, four years ago. Here she tells us about the impact it's had on her life and how pulmonary rehabilitation has helped her feel more like herself again.
A close up image of Beth lying in a hospital bed with oxygen tubes
Your stories

I really underestimated how bad my asthma was until I was hospitalised

Beth is a primary school teacher, who lived in Hong Kong but has recently moved back to UK. Here she shares how she was hospitalised after an asthma attack and how it impacted her life.
An image of Annie in bed holding a teddy bear
Your stories

I often get told that I look well even though I am critically ill

Annie was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension when she was 15 years old. Pulmonary hypertension is when you have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood to your lungs. She went into heart failure in 2022 and is now on the list for a heart and lung transplant.
An image of Paige wearing a hospital gown and a surgical mask
Your stories

I was hospitalised over 40 times in one year as my asthma was not well controlled

Paige was diagnosed with asthma when she was 8. Her asthma was well controlled and would flare up when she overexerted herself playing sports. This changed when she was around 24. Here she tells us about it.
An image of Lorraine wearing an oxygen mask
Your stories

I can’t work or look after myself properly. It has been a very big change to adjust to

Lorraine has a condition called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). It increases the risk of lung diseases like COPD. Lorraine has emphysema, one of the lung conditions that makes up COPD. Here she shares how our support groups have helped her connect with a supportive community.
An image of Ann in her e-trike in front of Land's End
Your stories

The kindness of strangers was the most humbling thing

In 2024, Ann completed a long-distance cycling challenge for Asthma + Lung UK. Here she shares why the charity is close to her heart and how she completed the 50-day challenge.
An image of Rae smiling to camera
Your stories

I recommend anyone with bronchiectasis to get their own self-management plan

Good self management of your bronchiectasis is really important for staying well. Our supporters Sophie and Rae share how their Asthma + Lung UK bronchiectasis self-management plans help them stay on top of their condition and live well.
An image of Claire wearing an oxygen tube and looking at camera
Your stories

I’ve gone from being a nurse working in A+E to using home oxygen at 40 years old

Claire spent the first three years of her life in and out of hospital with bronchitis, pneumonia and then meningitis. Her health improved and she was able to pursue a career as an A&E nurse. But after a chest infection and COVID, she was put on home oxygen. Here she tells us how it affected her life.