Patients sing the praises of musical breathing classes

P atients with chronic lung disease, asthma and other breathing difficulties are benefiting from a surprising form of therapysinging!

Led by musician Ed Jeffery, the weekly 'Singing for Breathing' workshops at Charing Cross Hospital use popular songs to help patients manage their breathlessness and improve their posture.

Your generous support has helped us secure funding to keep the singing sessions going since 2016.

And many of the group's regular members have told us what a huge impact the simple act of singing has made in their lives.

"I had complications after lung surgery," said 62-year-old Martha*.

"The sessions really help when you're singing and trying to expand your lungs. You have to practice a lot of the time but you feel like you're improving with every session."

Frank*, 70, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been a member of the group since it began seven years ago.

"I was told there was no cure for my condition and that it would get worse over time," he said.

"What's so special is that Singing for Breathing is so much fun. Nothing beats the sheer joy of getting together with other people and practising the belly-breathing technique as we sing."

For those whose lung condition has led them to lead more isolated

For people living with long-term lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the regular Singing for Breathing sessions can have a transformative effect on their quality of life.

But we need your support to make sure this important service can continue.

Your donation could help us maintain our support for these popular singing classes, providing extra assistance for patients with chronic lung conditions.

To make a donation today, please visit imperialcharity.org.uk/donate or get in touch with our fundraising team using the details below.

T: 020 3640 7766

E: fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk lives, Frank said the group had also offered members a new way to build relationships.

Thank you for your support!

"Our social lives can be limited by embarrassment about our breathlessness restricting our activity, even in everyday situations like going shopping," he added.

"Being part of a singing group creates new friendships and has obvious benefits for those of us whose condition has led to isolation, particularly following the Covid-19 lockdown."

*Some names and personal details have been changed to protect identities.