Shirley Ballas calls for respiratory health priority

Strictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas has called on the government to give formal priority to respiratory conditions across the UK. The campaign, named Breathe Equal, was launched in late 2025 in partnership with Sanofi. Its aim is to increase awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and tackle the stigma and disparities in care associated with the condition.

Prevalence of COPD

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COPD is a significant health issue in the UK, with over 1.4 million individuals having a confirmed diagnosis. It is estimated that an additional 2 million people are living with the condition without a diagnosis. Ballas's personal connection to COPD began in 2022 when her mother, Audrey, was diagnosed. Her mother now relies on Ballas for care.

Challenging Stigma and Environmental Factors

Ballas highlighted the pressure on the NHS due to the high number of diagnosed and undiagnosed cases. She believes immediate action is necessary. Ballas stated her hope that the campaign will help ensure COPD receives sufficient priority, enabling individuals to access the necessary care and support. She emphasised that COPD is not always linked to smoking and can be influenced by factors such as air quality and other environmental influences. Ballas suggested that a lack of funding may stem from a perception that the condition is self-inflicted, making education and challenging stigma essential.

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Following the UK's hottest summer on record in 2026, Ballas noted that her mother experienced a worsening of her symptoms due to the high temperatures. Sarah Sleet from Asthma + Lung UK commented that leaders need to treat respiratory conditions with the same priority as other illnesses like cancer to achieve progress. Sleet explained that while winter viruses and cold air traditionally exacerbate lung conditions, leading to hospital admissions, the heat in summer is now having a similar effect, a pattern observed over the past few years.

Breathing Space Garden

In 2026, Ballas supported Asthma + Lung UK's Breathing Space Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, further advancing her advocacy for COPD awareness. The garden, designed as a tranquil and restorative outdoor space, received a silver medal. It has since been relocated to the Breathing Space facility in Rotherham, opening on 16 September. This location aims to offer patients, staff, and visitors a quiet area for recovery and wellbeing, equipped with yoga mats for relaxation.

Sleet described the garden's concept as acknowledging the need for gentle movement among individuals with respiratory conditions. She noted its relocation to Rotherham, a community significantly impacted by lung conditions due to its history in coal mining and the steel industry, as its appropriate home. Sleet added that people with these conditions deserve beautiful spaces designed for them, which helps them feel recognised rather than overlooked or ignored. Ballas expressed her passion for the cause, stating her commitment to continuing her work for as long as possible.