Andrew McCracken

Join our sessions for an hour of fun that will put a smile on your face. Our support groups are here for you to join a community that understands your needs as well as strengthening your lungs, and having a good time while you do it! If you're interested in joining our online activities or group, you can find the perfect thing for you on our website: asthmaandlung.org.uk/groups-support…

In the last few mins, House of Lords emphatically backed the ban on the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 1 Jan 2009.. Amendment to remove the generational ban was defeated 78 to 246. Another step closer to this world leading public health measure supported by @asthmalunguk

We’ve been telling anyone that will listen that there needs to be a Modern Service Framework to drive up the quality of respiratory care. But what even is a Modern Service Framework? Me and the team did a short video to explain.

Are you fasting with a lung condition this Ramadan? You can find out how to stay safe and healthy while fasting on our website and by speaking to your GP or specialist. Read here: orlo.uk/iaFs0

Partly because we're starting from such a low base of poor + patchy respiratory care, the opportunities for improvement are huge. We are not talking marginal gains - it could eb a step change. @asthmalunguk CEO @_SarahSleet argues for a respiratory Modern Service Framework.

Biggest cause of emergency admissions in England? Pneumonia. By miles. Double the next biggest cause. A large proportion are people with underlying lung issues. If you want to ease A+E pressure sort out basic, ongoing care for people with lung conditions theguardian.com/society/2026/f…

Emergency pneumonia cases surge to half a million a year in England. Pneumonia is a type of chest infection that affects tiny air sacs, called alveoli, in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It can also be deadly: between April 2022 to March 2025 more than 97,000 people died of pneumonia after ending up in hospital. Read more about the alarming increase in pneumonia cases here: theguardian.com/society/2026/f…

As a society, we kind of gloss over breathing troubles. "I'm just a bit out of puff" etc. But in truth it can be incredibly dangerous. A bad exacerbation can eb a round, near death experince. Flu vaccine is extra important for people with excising lung conditions. As shown here.

.@asthmalunguk tell BBC that people with lung conditions face "deadly duo" of freezing temperatures, which can worsen breathlessness, and continued high levels of flu. As @wesstreeting says in same article, cold snap putting pressure on services. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

All I want for Christmas is... ... a great new job at a dynamic charity driving improvements in research, treatment and a better environment for good lung health! Come and work with me + the @asthmalunguk team! Executive Assistant £35-40k Closes 11 Jan vacancies.asthmaandlung.org.uk/job/808074

Positive for people living with severe asthma. @MHRAgovuk approved a new biologic to treat the condition. Importantly, 'depemokimab' is given as 1 jab every 6 months so could make it far easier for people with asthma. (NICE still need to review if it should be adopted by NHS)

Did you catch our Director of External Affairs, @hellomccracken, talking about the need for better basic care for people with lung conditions on @itvnews? You can watch it here if you missed it: itv.com/watch/news/utt…

Oof. Avg 2,600+ people in hospital with flu each day last week. It @asthmalunguk's @_SarahSleet says "virus is already driving serious pressure on crowded emergency departments & packed hospital wards." The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated

Dr Andrew Whittamore, our clinical lead, says “Christmas tree syndrome, where people are allergic to their Christmas tree and find symptoms of their lung disease getting worse, can occur with both real and artificial trees." Read more here: orlo.uk/gy2Lu

If you have a lung condition, like asthma or COPD, winter can be really difficult. That’s where Asthma and Lung UK’s Winter Wellbeing Guide comes in. Answer a few short questions about your lung condition and you'll get a free, personalised guide. AsthmaAndLung.org.uk/withyouthiswin…

Updated @asthmalunguk flu advice Flu rates are soaring & it can be is particularly bad for people with existing lung conditions. People with lung conditions should consider wearing a face mask in crowded or indoor spaces. Most importantly, get vaccinated asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/flu…

50 foot tall!🎄 Avril & Christopher planted the Christmas tree back in 1979. Sadly, Christopher died from emphysema this year, but Avril has continued the tradition of decorating the tree and has chosen to raise money for @asthmalunguk - thank you Avril❤️ metro.co.uk/2025/12/08/wid…

‘PM2.5’ particulates are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, reaching the bloodstream and causing disease. When you see worries of "nanny state" limiting wood burners, worth knowing that domestic wood burners produce nearly as much PM2.5 pollution as all road transport

We welcome the news of the government in England bringing forward air quality targets to 2030. Air pollution is linked to up to 43,000 premature deaths every year in the UK and now is the time for Ministers to move from promise to action. mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/n…

We’re so grateful to @ShirleyBallas for sharing her story and helping to raise awareness of COPD. We know from our annual survey that it can take years for people to get the correct diagnosis, and even when they do many don’t get the care they need.