A SINGING group set up to help people suffering from lung conditions has hit the right note with patients in Hereford.

The Singing for Lung Health group meets on Wednesdays under the expert tuition of professional singer Annie Summers.

It was a special day on November 20, when the weekly session coincided with World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) day.

COPD is an umbrella term which describes progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma, all characterised by increasing breathlessness.

“Singing requires effort for muscle contraction and co-ordination which benefits patients with chronic lung diseases causing breathlessness,” said respiratory consultant Ingrid Du Rand.

“The weekly sessions are helping patients to breathe better, reduce stress and have fun and meet new friends."

Session leader Ms Summers is a professional singer who has completed a British Lung Foundation endorsed training course to provide safe and relevant singing instruction to people with lung conditions.

The group meets on Wednesdays at the Salvation Army hall on Canonmoor Street, Hereford.

“Those who attend are having fun and are finding the sessions very beneficial. It was great that we had a session taking place on World COPD Day.”

Anyone wanting more information about the sessions can contact the pulmonary rehab team at Wye Valley NHD Trust on 01432 355444 ext 5251 or ext 4241.