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.

Lorraine, Asthma + Lung UK supporter
Published 29th January 2026

I’ve always been active and qualified as an aqua aerobics instructor. So when I started struggling to cycle, putting away shopping and climbing upstairs, I decided to visit my local GP. He then referred me for a blood test and after further test, my results showed that I had Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

I've found ways to manage my condition


As I’ve gotten older, my condition has progressed, and I’ve had to learn how to manage it. I’ve found a personal assistant who helps me with personal care and cooking. She also takes me to my pulmonary rehabilitation and doctors' appointments. I also get support from my rescue dog Benson and his dog walker.

I use home oxygen and a wheelchair as I really struggle with walking. But I still make time to exercise every day. I also attend pulmonary rehabilitation at Sport Aberdeen twice weekly if I am well enough.

Asthma + Lung UK support groups have really helped

I have also taken part in Asthma + Lung UK’s feel-good Fridays, harmonica for lung health and mindfulness for lung health support groups. It really has helped me with morale, and I’m able to socialise with people who can relate as they have lung conditions too.

I would recommend any who is struggling with their lung condition to attend a support group. There is something for everyone.

Find a support group

Connect with our supportive community of people affected by a lung condition. Explore our range of support groups. We've got something for everyone - from local in-person events to online harmonica sessions, and lots in between. Have fun, connect with others and learn new skills.

Find your community

You may also like

Smiling woman tandem skydives with an instructor above a landscape of fields and clouds, arms outstretched in excitement
Your stories

After Dad died, fundraising gave me a sense of purpose

In May 2024, our supporter Amy sadly lost her dad after a fall which caused his lung to collapse. He also had COPD. Here she tells us how fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK in his memory gave her a sense of purpose.
Woman with long auburn hair, wearing glasses and a white top, looks directly at the camera with a slight smile in a well-lit room
Your stories

People don’t understand what a lung condition can take away from you - Elina’s story

Elina was only 26 when she was diagnosed with emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). On World COPD Day, here she shares her story to help raise awareness and encourage people to seek advice if they have symptoms.
Smiling woman wearing an Asthma + Lung UK t-shirt holds a small black and tan dog in one arm and a glass of bubbly drink in the other, standing in a kitchen
Your stories

Fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK gave me a surprising realisation

Earlier this year, Grace, who is part of our Research + Innovation team, challenged herself to walk 100 miles in March to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK. After signing up, she had the surprising realisation that she was one of the one in five people in the UK who will be diagnosed with a lung condition in their lifetime. Here she tells us about her staggering diagnosis of tuberculosis and her fundraising journey.