Throughout the last two years NARA - The Breathing Charity has kept going and been extremely busy with the provision of equipment and accessories for those who struggle to breathe. Although very few visits were achieved, we have always been on the end of a phone, or on social media to offer constant help and support. We are still living through some strange and difficult times and although restrictions have now been lifted, we must all remember that Covid is still amongst us. However, despite this we must also try to regain some kind of ‘New Normal’.

All at NARA will continue to wear a face covering and take sensible precautions at all times, both to protect our staff and patients. It’s obvious that those we deal with are all vulnerable, be they a newborn tiny baby, young adults, or a more elderly member of the community. Indeed, some are still separated from family and friends making them very isolated and alone, while others feel they are still in lockdown.

Speaking to one of our elderly gentleman patients, he said he had not been outside his home, except for essentials, for over two years. He said he was so very, very grateful to NARA for his equipment as it has kept him out of hospital, and our chats have kept him going.

Many people and businesses who have given so generously over the years are still facing difficulties, indeed some are now no longer able to assist us, or donate at this time. We therefore ask if you could consider a small donation or think of a way you could raise funds to ensure we can still continue our everyday work, slowly build on our ‘new normal’ and resume many more visits to our patients.

Thank you for your continued support.

NARA – The Breathing Charity is the registered title for ‘The National Association for the Relief of Apnoea’. Since 1984, with financial support from the public such as yourselves, we have been able to assist many who suffer or know those who suffer from a variety of respiratory conditions.

Providing Medical equipment, advice, information and a 24hour helpline supporting all ages from tiny babies through to the elderly. Offering help through our Community Care Programme, Local Community Scheme, Palliative Care and much more.

Through our ‘Breathing Monitor Appeal’ and ‘Breathing New Life Campaign’ we provide medical equipment into the home that relieve symptoms helping the patient to breathe easier, in return enabling a ‘more normal’ lifestyle and giving them the ability to participate in everyday things such as education, sports, work and a ‘near normal’ social life, things that most of us take for granted.

Providing a piece of equipment is easy – our ‘aftercare’ which can sometimes take us from our base to anywhere in the country at a moment’s notice is another task and our most important job. Firstly, the patient and their equipment need looking after on a regular basis for them to receive the best benefit from the equipment. We also need to liaise with doctors, medical professionals and equipment representatives to make sure the equipment given is the best for the patient’s needs. This can sometimes be a very difficult task as funding for this part of our work is very limited.