'Singing helps me with my breathing problems'

Tim Edwards said he looked forward to meeting up with others as well as getting help with his breathing

People who struggle to breathe say singing sessions are helping them be less breathless.

The Singing for Breathing programme runs fortnightly at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, for patients with conditions which make it difficult for them to breathe.

Hospital bosses said the sessions have really benefited those who come, not only with improving their breathing but also helping them feel less isolated.

"To come here and have a good old sing-song is pretty good and it has helped me with my breathing," said Tim Edwards.

The 86-year-old was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which leaves him struggling for breath, and has been attending the group for the past two years.

"I got involved because I was told to come, mainly to help my breathing but I used to sing many years ago," Mr Edwards said.

"I have enjoyed the companionship because I live on my own."

The Breathing for Singing sessions were introduced by the hospital after they heard about similar sessions held in London.

A programme was adapted for lung patients at the George Eliot Hospital in 2013 and has been running ever since.

Lisa Taylor, a nurse at the hospital, helps run the sessions.

"It's aimed at anybody who is breathless and we recommend singing for breathing to them," she said.

"We can help and assist them going forward to get a better quality of life...some have said this is actually life-changing."

They are led by musical director Andrew Ella who said they were "about really having a lot of fun".

"The patients have said that they feel less breathless, they feel that they've really progressed with their breathing," he added.

"They've got better control of their breath and they're experiencing less breathlessness in day-to-day activities.

"From a social point of view, it's a really supportive group. Everybody's supportive of one another.

"You don't have to be a great singer to come along and join in. It's really about how it makes you feel."