Director of External Affairs (@AsthmaLungUK. Visually impaired. Views my own, including the blurry ones.
London
Joined March 2010
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Andrew McCracken retweeted
Today we have heard from @andyburnham on social care reforms in England.
@_SarahSleet, our CEO, commented: “Living with a lung condition can be debilitating, making even the most basic tasks like washing and dressing a significant challenge. We know that many people with breathing difficulties need ongoing care – respiratory problems are among the most common reasons older people claim Attendance Allowance, with around 70,000 people currently needing the highest level of support."
"But too many people struggle to get the care they need. Lung disease hits the poorest communities hardest, and they are the exact same communities that are most reliant on a state-funded social care system that is no longer fit for purpose. Even finding out what support you can get as an unpaid carer looking after a loved one can feel like a real challenge."
Read what Burnham has said here: gov.uk/government/news/pm-se…
Andrew McCracken retweeted
'The toxic question Burnham's leadership bid cannot avoid'
✍️ Sarah Steel for LBC Opinion
lbc.co.uk/article/toxic-ques…
Andrew McCracken retweeted
Today we welcomed Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly @little_pengelly to our reception breakfast at the #BalmoralShow.
We are at the show as part of our role as charity partner of the Agri-Rural Health Forum, helping to improve the lung health of those working in the agricultural industry.
Brilliant to hear Chloe explain why she backs the Tobacco and Vapes Act. It's an incredible piece of legislation and we can be proud that the UK is taking this world leading step to create a smokefree generation.
Chloe knows the devastating impact smoking can have on your health. She started smoking at 17 and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in her 40s.
After receiving support from @asthmalunguk, she’s now sharing why she supports the Tobacco and Vapes Act.
From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal for retailers to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Andrew McCracken retweeted
‘We need real action and we need it fast’
Head of Asthma + Lung UK, @_SarahSleet speaking at the recent launch of our charity manifesto ahead of the May elections.
To read our manifesto ‘Our Battle for Breath’, go to: asthmaandlung.org.uk/scotlan…
Urgh 🤧
And it can be serious. Our 2025 survey found that 45% people with asthma and 25% people with COPD are triggered by pollen.
@asthmalunguk advice for people with lung conditions: asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditi…
Andrew McCracken retweeted
"I think lung conditions are massively under-represented and under-invested"
One of our long time supporters Linda McLeod, who also chairs the Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire support group, spoke to @SkyNews about the upcoming election.
"Whoever forms the next Scottish government needs to invest in and focus on early diagnosis, treatment, care and self-management.
"I do believe that everything that can be done, should be done to protect the lung health of future generations."
news.sky.com/story/2026-scot…
Andrew McCracken retweeted
A week long hay fever ‘red alert’ has been issued by the @metoffice!
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is a tiny grain produced by some plants and trees. There are around 30 different types of pollen that can cause hay fever. You can be allergic to more than one type of pollen.
Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes, throat, mouth, or ears.
You can find advice on managing pollen on our website: asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditi…
ALT Pollen flower
Andrew McCracken retweeted
We're incredibly excited to have a presence at the @The_RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026!
This summer, we're inviting you to take a moment to breathe, relax, and reconnect with nature. Our incredible garden has been designed by the award-winning garden designer Angus Thompson and built by his partner Dan Flynn.
We hope our garden inspires reflection on how vital it is to breathe freely and we can’t wait to bring you along with us to RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
You can read more about our garden on our blog: asthmaandlung.org.uk/step-ou…
Andrew McCracken retweeted
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-…
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.
We're calling for a Modern Service Framework for respiratory care.
@hellomccracken, our Director of External Affairs, shared with us information on the modern service framework and why we need these national plans to include care for lung conditions.
Andrew McCracken retweeted
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.
Respiratory care is on life support ift.tt/UZk7eRY
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…
This quoted post is unavailable.
Andrew McCracken retweeted
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…
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.
Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from flu. It’s not too late to book yourself in for a vaccine. Here Annette share her experience about having flu.
You can find out more information on how to prevent the flu on our website
orlo.uk/6b4Cs
.@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/c9qp…
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.…
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)
Our medical director @COPDdoc, says: “It’s encouraging that new treatments are being developed for people whose lives are limited by severe asthma.”
You can read more below. gov.uk/government/news/uk-ap…
