Singing in a local women’s choir has helped Christine Talbot come to terms with her diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) – and the group kindly raised money for our charity during their Christmas concert recebtly. Here Christine, 68, tells us more.

“I was told I had pulmonary hypertension just before Christmas in 2024, at my local hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

I had experienced recurring chest infections for a long time and then out of nowhere, I had quite a severe pain in my middle of my chest which took my breath away. I rang my GP, who advised I should go to casualty. Being December, it was bedlam and I was convinced I didn’t need to be there, but I stuck it out and underwent a series of tests.

The results showed high readings for blood clots and elevated pulmonary artery pressures. I was told that it was probably something called pulmonary hypertension and I would be referred to a specialist treatment centre.

I felt set adrift really, as nobody seemed to explain anything. The run up to Christmas that year was very hard because I felt really ill, very breathless, and I didn’t really understand what was wrong with me.

Whilst I was waiting for the specialist centre appointment, I came across the PHA UK online. I was in quite a low place at that time, because I’d made the classic mistake of reading everything I could find via Google, and it left me in bits. I felt devastated by what I read.

I arranged an appointment with the PHA UK’s Listening Line service and spoke to Paul, who helped me understand more about PH and the care that was available. It really helped. I’d say the PHA UK was a bit of a lifesaver for me then. If I’d been told about the charity when PH was first mentioned by my local hospital, it would have saved me a lot of heartache.

I was seen at the Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit in March 2025, and they confirmed it was chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

The team there were fantastic and it as reassuring to know they were able to deal with what was wrong with me. I was started on medication and referred to Royal Papworth Hospital to talk about the specialist treatments procedures they provided for my type of PH.

I started singing with Great Moor Singers, a Stockport-based community ladies’ choir, about eight years ago, but I missed quite a few months when I was ill with my chest infections. I’ve tried to persevere with it though, especially since getting the CTEPH diagnosis, as I’m aware that singing is good for your lungs.

I’m not a great singer but it’s a really lovely group of women and I enjoy it. They are very supportive and friendly.

We have a concert three times a year and always donate the proceeds to charity. Last Christmas, I suggested the PHA UK because of the help they had given me, and everyone agreed. We raised £160 from selling raffle tickets on the night and I got up and said a few words about the charity, which prompted some people to put a little extra in. It all felt very supportive.

Lots of us in the choir have had health issues, and during the coffee breaks we all chat and check how each other is getting on. It’s partly about the singing, but it’s as much about the social aspect too.

The choir has helped me come to terms with the CTEPH diagnosis because there have definitely been evenings where I’ve not felt up to going, but when I’ve got there I’ve felt great. It feels like I’ve done something for myself and done something good. I get a sense of achievement from finding the energy to sing, and I think it helps me physically too.

We always start the sessions with breathing exercises as a warm-up, and although I can’t always hold the long notes, I don’t feel any pressure. The routine of attending each week helps, and I find it inspirational to see the other women who keep coming along despite their health conditions.”

Christine underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty treatment for her CTEPH soon after sharing her story above. You can read about how she got on here.