'I owe my life to support groups' - COPD sufferer

Chloe says support groups have been vital for her recovery

A former nurse with multiple health conditions says she "owes her life" to support groups she says helped her through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chloe Slasberg, from Harlow, Essex, has had asthma since childhood, as well as an auto-immune condition - and spinal issues later in life.

She described being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in January 2020 as "terrifying", but she found ways to cope with the help of charity Asthma and Lung UK.

"I couldn't have carried on as I was," she told the BBC.

Ms Slasberg, 50, was told she had COPD following a long addiction to smoking, which she has now quit.

She says she is still affected by the long periods of isolation she experienced during the pandemic.

Ms Slasberg recently ran the Royal Parks half marathon to raise money for Asthma+Lung UK

"I was basically told that I was really, really vulnerable and had to stay in," she said.

"To be honest I've not really circulated that much since, so Asthma+Lung UK's support groups are still really vital in my weekly life."

Ms Slasberg said online support groups and activities such as singing, seated zumba and mindfulness lessons had helped her to strengthen her lungs.

"Through them, I've found techniques for dealing with these situations and I've not had a hospital admission since," she said.

'Belly laugh'

Ms Slasberg has also raised money for the charity by completing the Royal Parks half marathon in December.

Asthma+Lung UK says it runs more than 150 support groups across the UK, both virtually and in person.

"We'd like to extend a huge thanks to Chloe for her brilliant fundraising efforts," Petra McCauley, from the charity, said.

"Every penny raised helps us to keep our vital support groups and helpline running."

"One in five people in this country are living with a lung condition like COPD, asthma, or bronchiectasis," Ms McCauley added.

"As the country's leading lung charity, we are dedicated to doing everything we can to help people with lung conditions to live well and we know that our support groups can be an invaluable source of information, friendship, and fun."

Ms Slasberg says the groups have helped to give her a new lease of life.

"My nephews used to get told off for making me laugh because I'd lose my breath and struggle to get it back, but now I can partake in a good belly laugh again," she said.