“I am delighted to become patron of Breathe On UK. This is an important charity devoted to the support of patients and families suffering from long term ventilation problems.

I know how much the care and support of one’s family is important when a health crisis strikes. It is at this time you need to be able to make contact with other families who are going through similar circumstances to gain support and knowledge of how to handle situations.

Whilst many children are kept in hospital initially, it is the families who care for sufferers at home that find their lives, home and life plans all having to be reassessed. 24 hour care takes its toll on everyone and the need for special hospice beds and the ability to go on holiday or just gain advice on how to find equipment is a major part of the rationale behind the Breathe On projects.

I ask you to give generously both financially and with your personal support to this extremely worthwhile charity, because without their existence life for many people will be even more challenging”.