A special group at Birmingham Hospice which supports people with chronic breathing conditions has given Georgina Rudd more confidence managing her symptoms.
Georgina was diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2010 and has been living with breathlessness and fatigue for the last few years.
She was referred to the hospice’s Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB) Group at the end of 2025 following a bout of pneumonia which saw her admitted to hospital.
After a visit from our friendly Therapies Team, Georgina attended the FAB sessions, which allow those experiencing breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety to take back control, improve their confidence and maintain independence.
The course, held at our Living Well Centres in Selly Park and Erdington, consists of six two-hour sessions.
Georgina received advice and guidance on how to manage her condition and was shown how to do gentle seated exercises, which has left her feeling less anxious and more confident.
“The exercises have really helped with my breathing,” said Georgina.
“I do them in the morning when I’ve had my breakfast and taken my medication, and then I do them in the afternoon and before I go to bed.”
One of her favourite parts of FAB was talking to people who share similar experiences due to their illnesses and how the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who run it gave her a voice to express her feelings.
Georgina, who has been partially deaf from birth, said she felt listened to and appreciated by fellow patients, and by those running the FAB sessions.
“It was brilliant to meet people who had a similar experience to me, and it made me so happy to be able to talk to them.
“The people running the group were so supportive and I am grateful to them for all the help and advice they have given me.”
The sessions have also helped Georgina feel more comfortable when she goes on her weekly shopping trip with best friend Mary.
To learn more about the programme and how to be referred onto it, please visit the FAB page on our website.
