Breathe deeply at the Asthma + Lung UK Garden
Asthma + Lung UK’s “Breathing Space Garden” at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a beautiful reminder of how much our surroundings can affect our lungs, our wellbeing, and our ability to pause and breathe.
Designed by award-winning garden designer Angus Thompson, the garden is inspired by the Japanese idea of yohaku no bi — “the beauty of empty space”. It brings together calming woodland planting, flowing water, accessible design, and quiet areas for rest, reflection, yoga, and tai chi.
The planting has been chosen with lung health in mind, using low-allergen species, soft textures, resilient trees, and calming green spaces that offer a gentler environment for people with sensitive lungs.
For people living with aspergillosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions, this message is especially powerful. Clean air, reduced stress, accessible outdoor spaces, and thoughtful planting can all help people feel more comfortable and supported.
Importantly, the garden will continue to make a difference after Chelsea. It is due to be permanently relocated to the Breathing Space lung rehabilitation centre in Rotherham, where it will support people living with lung conditions for years to come.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show: 19–23 May 2026
Read more from Asthma + Lung UK
Sir David Attenborough at 100: Inspiring Wonder in Nature and Fungi
Celebrating 100 years of Sir David Attenborough and his extraordinary contribution to understanding nature, fungi and the living world.Today marks the 100th birthday of David Attenborough — a remarkable milestone for someone who has spent a lifetime helping the world see nature differently.
For many of us interested in fungi and aspergillosis, his work has also helped shine a light on a kingdom of life that was too often overlooked. Through documentaries exploring fungi, moulds, forests and hidden ecosystems, he helped bring the extraordinary world of fungi into homes around the globe — revealing not just beauty, but the vital role fungi play in life on Earth.
At a time when awareness of fungal disease and environmental mould exposure remains so important, that contribution matters greatly.
Happy 100th Birthday Sir David — and thank you for a century of curiosity, education and wonder.
Watch the World Aspergillosis Day 2026 talks
World Aspergillosis Day 2026 brought together patients, carers, clinicians and researchers to explore how new science and better understanding can improve care for aspergillosis.
Below you can watch the full set of 12 recorded talks from the day, including expert presentations and lived-experience perspectives. You can play them in order, or open the playlist menu to jump to any session.
If you find these videos helpful, please share them — it helps more people living with aspergillosis (and those supporting them) access reliable information and support.
Watch the World Aspergillosis Day 2026 talks
World Aspergillosis Day 2026 brought together patients, carers, clinicians and researchers to explore how new science and better
understanding can improve care for aspergillosis.
Below you can watch the full set of 12 recorded talks from the day, including expert presentations and
lived-experience perspectives. You can play them in order, or open the playlist menu to jump to any session.
If you find these videos helpful, please share them — it helps more people living with aspergillosis (and those supporting them)
access reliable information and support.
Prefer a direct link to the playlist on YouTube?
Open the WAD2026 playlist.
How to Join Our Microsoft Teams Meetings - Troubleshooting
(For patients, carers and external guests)
You do not need a Microsoft account to join.
Most people can join easily using their internet browser.
✅ The Easiest Way to Join (Laptop or Desktop)
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Click the meeting link we sent you.
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When prompted, choose:
“Continue in this browser”
(You do NOT need to download Teams.) -
Type your name.
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Click Join now.
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If asked, allow access to your microphone and camera.
Please wait in the lobby until we admit you.
📱 Joining on a Phone or Tablet
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Tap the meeting link.
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If you already have the Microsoft Teams app, it will open automatically.
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If not, you can download the free Teams app from your app store.
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Enter your name and join.
Phones often work even if laptops have problems.
⚠️ If You Are Asked to Sign In
You do not need to sign into Microsoft.
If you see a sign-in screen:
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Look for “Join as guest”
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Or close the page and reopen the link
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Or choose “Continue in this browser”
Avoid signing in with a work or NHS account unless you are sure it allows external meetings.
🔧 If It Doesn’t Work on Your Laptop
Try one of these:
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Open the link in a Private / Incognito window
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Try a different browser (Chrome or Edge usually work best)
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Make sure you are not already signed into multiple Microsoft accounts
If you are using a work or NHS laptop, security settings may block external meetings. In that case:
👉 Try your personal laptop or your phone.
🎤 Audio & Camera Tips
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If your microphone does not work, leave the meeting and rejoin.
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If you prefer, you can turn your camera off.
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You can also use the chat box to type questions.
📞 Still Having Trouble?
If you cannot join:
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Try using your phone instead.
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Or contact us before the meeting and we will help where we can.
Connecting patients, carers, clinicians and scientists to improve life with aspergillosis
World Aspergillosis Day (WAD) is an annual global event that brings together people who live with, care for, treat, and research long-term forms of aspergillosis — particularly chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).
Each year, WAD creates a shared space where:
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patients and carers can hear directly from specialists,
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clinicians and scientists can learn from patient experience,
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and everyone can explore how new research translates into better care.
🎥 Missed previous events?
Recordings from earlier World Aspergillosis Day meetings are available on our YouTube channel.
📅 NAC World Aspergillosis Day Meeting 2026
The National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) will once again host a free online meeting:
🗓 Tuesday 3 February 2026
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams
👥 Open to patients, carers, clinicians, scientists, and anyone who lives or works with aspergillosis
🧬 This year’s theme:
“How can the genomics revolution help patients with chronic aspergillosis?”
Why genomics — and why now?
Modern molecular tests such as PCR and DNA sequencing are becoming faster, cheaper and more accurate. Because of this, the NHS is increasingly exploring how genomic technologies can be used to improve diagnosis, monitoring and treatment across many diseases — including aspergillosis.
This year’s WAD meeting will start an open discussion between patients and professionals about which genomic and molecular tests are likely to matter most for people with aspergillosis in the years ahead.
Topics will include:
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🧠 Is there a “gene for aspergillosis”?
Should people be tested for genetic susceptibility? -
💊 Genes and voriconazole dosing
Can testing the CYP2C19 gene help personalise antifungal treatment? -
🦠 Tracking antifungal resistance
How molecular testing of Aspergillus strains can help hospitals monitor resistance. -
🔬 Aspergillus PCR at NAC
How PCR is already used to diagnose and monitor chronic aspergillosis.
🗣️ Patient voices at the heart of the meeting
As always, patient experience will be central to the day.
This year will include new patient stories, including Alison, who will talk about how her aspergillosis treatment led to the development of adrenal insufficiency, and what that has meant for her care and daily life.
“I don’t know anything about genetics — is this for me?”
Absolutely yes.
You don’t need any background in genetics to take part. Everything will be explained clearly, step by step, with minimal jargon.
Planned discussion topics include:
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What do my Aspergillus PCR test results actually mean?
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Is there really a “gene for CPA”?
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Why do genes matter for antifungal dosing?
In fact, the more questions you ask — especially the “silly” ones — the better. The discussion from the day will be used to create a new patient leaflet, designed to help people better understand their diagnosis and test results.
✅ Registration is now open
🎟 Book your free place via Eventbrite:
👉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-aspergillosis-day-tickets-1980707139373
💻 Joining via Microsoft Teams
The meeting will be held online using Microsoft Teams, which you can download here:
👉 www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
If you haven’t used Teams before, we recommend doing a test call in advance. If you run into any problems setting things up, we’re very happy to help.
We hope you can join us for World Aspergillosis Day 2026 — to learn, to ask questions, and to help shape the future of aspergillosis care together.
Aspergillosis Patient Conference 2025 – summary and recording
The Aspergillosis Patient Conference 2025 took place online on 29 November 2025. The event was co-organised and co-presented by the National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) and The Aspergillosis Trust, in collaboration with the European Lung Foundation (ELF).
The free conference brought together people living with aspergillosis, carers, patient advocates, clinicians and researchers from across Europe and beyond. Its focus was firmly patient-centred, combining clinical expertise with lived experience to improve understanding, awareness and care.
🎥 The full conference recording is now available to watch online, enabling anyone who missed the live event to benefit from the sessions and discussions.
What the conference covered
Across the programme, speakers explored:
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What aspergillosis is and the different forms it can take
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Symptoms and diagnostic challenges, including delays in recognition
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Current treatment and management approaches
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Living with aspergillosis, shared directly by patients
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What needs to improve, including awareness, education and access to specialist care
Live questions, polling and discussion ensured that patient priorities and real-world concerns shaped the conversation throughout.
Speakers and perspectives
The conference featured a broad range of patient advocates and clinical experts, including:
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People with lived experience of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
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Representatives from NAC, The Aspergillosis Trust and the ELF Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group
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Respiratory physicians, infectious disease specialists and researchers involved in European clinical guidelines and research
This mix ensured that sessions reflected both medical best practice and day-to-day patient realities.
Who the recording is useful for
The on-demand recording is particularly valuable for:
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People living with aspergillosis and related lung conditions
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Family members, carers and supporters
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Healthcare professionals seeking a patient-focused overview
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Patient organisations and advocates working in respiratory or fungal disease
Why this conference matters
Aspergillosis remains under-diagnosed and poorly understood, despite its significant impact on health and quality of life. This conference highlighted:
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The importance of patient voices in education and guideline development
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The need for earlier diagnosis and clearer care pathways
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The value of collaboration between specialist centres, patient charities and European organisations
By making the recording freely available, NAC, The Aspergillosis Trust and ELF have ensured the conference continues to support patients, carers and professionals well beyond the live event.
Why Join the Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group (PAG)?
Supported by the European Lung Foundation (ELF), NAC CARES, and the European Respiratory Society (ERS).
Living with aspergillosis — CPA, ABPA, SAFS, Aspergillus bronchitis or sinus disease — can be overwhelming. Many people feel isolated, struggle to find clear information, or feel unsure how to influence the care they receive.
That is exactly why the Aspergillosis Patient Advisory Group (PAG) exists.
The PAG is supported by the European Lung Foundation (ELF) — based in Sheffield — and by NAC CARES, the patient engagement and support team at the UK National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) in Manchester. Together, ELF, NAC CARES and the PAG work closely with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) to make sure the patient voice shapes research, education, and clinical practice across Europe and the UK.
What ELF Does
ELF brings together patients, carers, researchers and professionals from across Europe including the UK. It:
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Provides clear, trustworthy patient information
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Organises and hosts patient advisory groups
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Ensures patient voices are included in ERS guidelines and research
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Supports patient–professional workshops, surveys and consultations
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Helps patients shape respiratory policy and awareness campaigns
Because ELF is UK-based, participation is easy for UK patients.
What NAC CARES Does
NAC CARES is the patient-facing team at the National Aspergillosis Centre in Manchester.
They:
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Support UK patients to join the PAG
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Help connect lived experience from UK clinics to the wider European PAG
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Share updates, resources, and educational material
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Bring PAG priorities back into NAC’s clinical and research work
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Ensure UK patients feel included, represented and supported within ELF and ERS structures
NAC CARES acts as a bridge between UK clinical expertise and European patient involvement.
What the Aspergillosis PAG Does
The PAG ensures that people living with aspergillosis have a direct say in:
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Research design
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European Respiratory Society guidelines
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New diagnostic and treatment pathways
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Patient-friendly information materials
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Awareness projects and health campaigns
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Surveys that drive change in policy and clinical practice
Your lived experience is treated as meaningful expertise.
Why Join the PAG? Why Spend Your Energy?
Many people with aspergillosis have limited energy.
Here is why members say it is worth it:
1. You receive clear, reliable information
Updates on research, antifungals, biologics, trials and guidelines — written for patients, not scientists.
2. Your voice shapes real decisions
ERS guideline committees and research teams listen.
Your input changes how care is delivered.
3. You feel less alone
Aspergillosis is rare.
The PAG connects you with people across Europe and the UK who truly understand.
4. You choose how involved you want to be
You can simply receive updates — or you can complete the occasional survey, join a focus group, or help shape a guideline.
No pressure, no obligation.
5. It improves care for everyone — including you
Your experience helps highlight what really matters:
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Delayed diagnosis
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Side-effects
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Treatment access
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Fatigue and breathlessness
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Impact on quality of life
This evidence influences clinicians, researchers and policymakers.
6. It is free, inclusive and easy to join
No travel.
No cost.
All online.
Europe includes the UK, and ELF is based in Sheffield.
Who Can Join?
Anyone affected by aspergillosis:
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Patients with CPA, ABPA, SAFS, Aspergillus bronchitis or sinus disease
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People with fungal allergy in asthma or bronchiectasis
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Family members and carers
No medical background needed.
How to Join
You can join in a few minutes:
👉 https://europeanlung.org/en/patient-advisory-groups/
Choose “Aspergillosis”.
You’ll then receive updates and invitations to take part — always at your own pace.
In One Line:
The PAG gives you good information, a real voice in shaping aspergillosis care, and a supportive community — with full backing from ELF, ERS and NAC CARES.
NAC CARES Virtual Challenge - We've Made It From Lands End to John O'Groats!
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We're pleased to announce that the NAC CARES Team has successfully completed our virtual journey from Lands End to John O'Groats. Over the past few months, our team has walked, cycled, and run an incredible total of 1744km (1083.9 miles)! Starting on February 1st, World Aspergillosis Day, we set ourselves 100 days to complete the challenge, but, we completed it ahead of schedule, on May 12th, 5 days sooner than anticipated.
Our virtual expedition has been a grand tour of the UK, from the stunning cliffs of Lands End in Cornwall to the rugged shoreline of John O'Groats in Scotland. We virtually journeyed through England's diverse landscape, passing through picturesque countryside, vibrant cities, and historic towns. From the iconic signpost at Lands End to the bustling streets of Bradford, the rich cultural heritage of Huddersfield, the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District National Park, the green spaces and cultural landmarks of Sheffield, and the legendary Sherwood Forest - each place a unique story in our broader narrative.
Crossing the border into Scotland, we continued our journey through the Scottish Highlands, with its breathtaking panoramas and rich history. We passed through the charming village of Fort Augustus, navigated around the famous Loch Ness, and made our way through the Cairngorms National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, unique flora, and rare wildlife.
Our journey culminated at John O'Groats, traditionally acknowledged as the extreme northern point of mainland Britain, marking a triumphant conclusion to our endeavour.
But the importance of this journey extends far beyond the physical accomplishment. This effort was a symbol of unity, resilience, and determination, resonating with the values we uphold in our battle against fungal infections. We embarked on this challenge to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the Fungal Infection Trust, an organisation dedicated to advancing research, promoting awareness, and improving treatments for individuals affected by fungal infections.
We want to express our gratitude for all the support we have had throughout this journey. However, the fight against fungal infections doesn't stop here.
If you have not yet made a contribution or if you feel moved to give more, please do so via our fundraising page:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEJOG-for-Aspergillosis
Thank you for your part in this journey and for standing alongside us in this vital cause. We celebrate the difference we've made together and anticipate the positive impacts we will continue to make in the future!
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NAC CARES Virtual Challenge - 803 miles (1292.41 km) down
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It's been a couple of weeks since our last update, and we're excited to share our progress on our team's virtual Lands End to John O'Groats challenge. As most of you may know, we embarked on this journey to walk, cycle, and run the length of the UK to raise money for the Fungal Infection Trust. Despite the Easter holidays, we haven't stopped and are mostly being fueled by Easter eggs right now!
We have now covered a total of 1292.41km (802.6 miles), which is 74% of the distance, in only 67% of the planned time of 100 days. This puts us well ahead of schedule, with just 451.79km (280.6 miles) remaining in our challenge.
Currently, we are in Scotland and approaching the iconic Forth Bridge. Along the way, we have passed several historic landmarks, including:
Hadrian's Wall: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman fortification stretches for 73 miles (117 km) across the North of England from the west coast of Cumbria near the Solway Firth to the east coast near the River Tyne in Tyne and Wear. Constructed in AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian's rule, the wall was designed to separate Roman Britain from the barbarian north and served as a military defence line.
Edinburgh Castle: Perched on an extinct volcano, this historic fortress dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital city. With its origins dating back to the 12th century, the castle has been a royal residence, a military garrison, and a prison over the years. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone or the Coronation Stone, which is a historic and symbolic block of red sandstone, measuring approximately 26 inches (66 cm) in length, 16 inches (40 cm) in width, and 11 inches (28 cm) in depth.
Our accelerated pace is down to our team's hard work and dedication. We are making excellent progress in our challenge, but we still have a significant distance to cover to reach John O'Groats and our fundraising goal. We are grateful for your support and are confident that, together, we will make a difference in the fight against fungal infections.
Thank you for following us on this journey; we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon. You can donate via the link below.
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2023 Bronchiectasis Patient Conference
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The 2023 Bronchiectasis Patient Conference, organised by the European Lung Foundation, is a popular event for patients each year. This year we asked two of our patients who attended to share their personal experiences and thoughts on the conference, highlighting its importance and impact.
Our patients reported that the conference attracted 1,750 registrations from 90 countries, and during an online questionnaire, 47% of participants identified as living with bronchiectasis. Dr Fiona Mosgrove's presentation on "Living with Bronchiectasis" provided valuable insights on lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health, recommending two books for further reading.
Prof. James Chalmers discussed a potential new treatment involving an anti-pseudomonas monoclonal antibody, demonstrated through engaging video clips. The conference also covered other topics such as Phage therapy, bronchiectasis through different life stages, and the importance of end-of-life care discussions.
Both patients found the conference to be an informative and valuable experience, despite facing some technical difficulties and unclear presentations due to those difficulties. They appreciated Dr Chalmers' well-paced talk on new treatments, as well as Dr Mosgrove's discussion on mental health and airway clearance techniques. One patient noted that while coexisting diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma were mentioned, there was no reference to Aspergillosis. The conference emphasised the importance of daily airway clearance, exercise, relaxation, and ongoing research for more effective treatments.
In summary, both patients found the 2023 Bronchiectasis Patient Conference to be an enriching experience, providing valuable insights and practical takeaways for managing the condition. Despite some technical issues, the conference succeeded in raising awareness and fostering a sense of community among people living with bronchiectasis.
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