Samantha Walker

Director of Research + Innovation @asthmalunguk. Fighting to improve lung health through increased funding for R+I. Allergy, asthma + hayfever specialist.

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Yesterday's announcement by @NICEComms, recommending the use of mepolizumab on the NHS for people with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), could help thousands of people access a life-saving treatment.

https://t.co/yMuAPh03KL

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Temperatures in the UK will remain high today. Here is how to stay safe during the heatwave. 👇

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Wow what a week at @the_rhs Chelsea Flower show! We have been blown away with everyone's enthusiasm about our wonderful garden.

Take a look back at some of our favourite highlights. @projgiveback @BBCiPlayer

Photos by: @Rubyekah

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

It's voting time! Don’t miss your chance to vote for our Breathing Space garden at the @The_RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, under the category People’s Choice Best Show Garden.

Your vote can help us change and improve the lives of people living with lung conditions. You can vote here: https://t.co/9GYHxuzx3O

Photo by @Rubyekah

@ProjGivingBack @BBCiPlayer

[Ian Jarrold @IanJarroldALUK]

The @asthmalunguk #BreathingSpace Garden @The_RHS Chelsea Flower Show: an absolute triumph - and a wonderful evening spent meeting colleagues across the respiratory space to talk about what’s next in battling breathlessness!

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

We are here at the @The_RHS Chelsea Flower Show with our garden, The Breathing Space💜

We are thrilled to be able to share all our hard work and a huge thank you to everyone who made this garden happen, @ProjGivingBack, Angus Thompson, CGM Landscapes, Lyall landscapes, Djr landscapes UK and many more!

Check out our sketch vs the finished garden⬇️

Photos by @Rubyekah

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

So, you’ve just been diagnosed with asthma. Now what?

This World Asthma Day we wanted to highlight that you’re not alone on this journey.

We understand that a diagnosis may leave you with questions about what this means for your everyday life. That’s why Lanny, our Respiratory Nurse Specialist Lead, is here to signpost you to the right support.

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

We now have a new Breathe Easy support group in Ellesmere Port!

The Ellesmere Port Breathe Easy group is a welcoming space for people living with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and all other lung conditions.

Run by friendly Asthma + Lung UK volunteers, including group leader Mike, and respiratory physiotherapist Charlotte, the group offers expert advice, practical support, and a chance to connect with others who understand.

Read more here: https://t.co/XH7ZQThYx7

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

With reports showing climate change has prolonged the pollen season, it seems hay fever is lasting longer than ever.

Our expert Samantha Walker Director of Research & Innovation at Asthma + Lung UK shared the following advice: "If people are allergic to pollen, it can inflame their airways and cause terrifying breathing conditions, which can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups."

"If you have a lung condition, such as asthma, and you are affected by pollen, there are lots of things you can do to protect yourself. By taking the right precautions, most people with hay fever and other lung conditions can avoid the worst effects of the pollen season.”

Read more from Sky news here: https://t.co/22Akfjz5x2

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Are you interested in how your biological clock affects your Asthma? Join us on the 6th of May for an exciting webinar exploring new perspectives in asthma, including how working nights can affect asthmatics.

Professor Hannah Durrington will be sharing a sneak peak into her research on circadian clock biology of asthma and how this affects treatment and diagnosis for people with asthma. 

Sign up today to secure your spot, in honour of World Asthma Day: https://t.co/B7aJYDLbUq

[Samantha Walker @samtwick]

@TinaDaheley sounds like you’re hay fever-y - as an allergy nurse of 30yrs I’d suggest nipping to Boots for otrivine nasal spray to clear your nose and then beconase nasal spray (don’t sniff it up so it stays in your nose) twice a day and a non-drowsy antihistamine eg cetirizine

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

We're incredibly excited to have a presence at the @The_RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026!

This summer, we're inviting you to take a moment to breathe, relax, and reconnect with nature. Our incredible garden has been designed by the award-winning garden designer Angus Thompson and built by his partner Dan Flynn.

We hope our garden inspires reflection on how vital it is to breathe freely and we can’t wait to bring you along with us to RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

You can read more about our garden on our blog: https://t.co/NbE2gk9Rbo

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Dr. John Blaikley and his team at the University of Manchester are investigating how the body’s internal clock influences our respiratory health. 

Their research could transform how we understand and treat pulmonary fibrosis for decades to come. 

For the first time, Dr John’s team has been able to study people living with pulmonary fibrosis directly, with data being collected from participating patients in Manchester. “We’re tracking the sleep patterns of the patients”, explains Dr Blaikley, “with some participants wearing devices that allow us to track their movement throughout the day, too.” 

These exciting new studies will come together to form a reliable, accurate method of analysing our circadian rhythms. 

“With continued support from organisations like Asthma + Lung UK, there is real optimism that more effective treatments are coming”, says Dr Blaikley. 

You can read more about Dr John Blaikley’s research on our website: https://t.co/hw0ecIrXLr

[PHOSP-COVID study @PHOSP_COVID]

Delighted to share that our paper ‘Consortium‐Based Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement for Long COVID Research: A Pirit‐Focused Impact Evaluation of the PHOSP‐COVID Study’ is available https://t.co/bxy1YM8LwU & includes top tips for researchers to consider✅ @long_covid

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Are you free on Monday 23rd of March? Join us for an exciting webinar focusing on long COVID and managing your breathlessness. We’ve got a jam packed agenda for you, featuring Professor Faghy and Dr Heightman, who will be talking to you about how we develop research alongside patients, new discoveries on long COVID, managing breathlessness, and what the long COVID clinics are doing now.

[Crispin Hiley @crispinhiley]

Many thanks for everyone involved in setting up & delivering the HIT-MESO trial & to funders @asthmalunguk @Mesouk & @uclh @ucl. Still some way to go with completing recruitment but really great of Peter and Ray to give their perspective to @BBCNews. https://t.co/e1EU5Bk9UK

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

It’s #NationalNoSmokingDay today.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your lung health.

We’re here to help raise awareness about the effects of smoking, and to support and encourage people who want to quit.

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Happy International Women's Day 2026!

This year, we’re proud to promote the theme of #GiveToGain and advocate for women living with lung conditions.

Women are more likely to have asthma, have more severe symptoms, and are more likely to die from their asthma. Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovations, shared with us the importance of recognising women with asthma and understanding their triggers.

You can find more information about women with asthma and our campaigning on our website: https://t.co/WbqE0FsRXY

[Samantha Walker @samtwick]

Dusting off my soapbox once again to shout about how poorly controlled hayfever can negatively impact exam results. Prevention is better than cure - get your nasal sprays ready. And remember, don't sniff!

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Hay fever could be impacting secondary school exam results, with new research suggesting pollen exposure leads to poorer academic performance.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovation, said: “Students with hay fever are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to summer exams.”

“To give themselves the best chance of success, students with hay fever or asthma should start taking a steroid nasal spray, their preventer inhaler, and non-drowsy antihistamines at least two weeks before their exams begin so there is time for the medication to build up in their system.”

Read more from the Independent here: https://t.co/fZo3fbVUXk

[Asthma + Lung UK @asthmalunguk]

Join our sessions for an hour of fun that will put a smile on your face.

Our support groups are here for you to join a community that understands your needs as well as strengthening your lungs, and having a good time while you do it!

If you're interested in joining our online activities or group, you can find the perfect thing for you on our website: https://t.co/FamgM8KmrJ