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In my late teens and early twenties I worked as an industrial laboratory technician. During this time I studied Science, obtaining HNC in Chemistry and then GRIC(I). Later, as my children grew older and I wanted to return to work, I decided to become a teacher. I followed a four year degree course, qualifying with a BEd(Hons). Since then I have taught for twenty years.
In the summer of 1998 I attended a Buteyko breathing course conducted by Alexander Stalmatski in London. I was able to discontinue my Ventolin during the following week and by the end of the year, I didn't need my Becotide either. Since 1999, I haven't taken any medication for my asthma at all, not even an antibiotic.
When I have a cold or bronchitis, all I need is to do a few exercises. Now, seven years later, I react to infections just like everyone else. I feel sorry for myself for a while, then take it easy and spoil myself a bit as I wait for it to pass.
I was so impressed by what I learned in London and the way in which it changed my life and that of my family, that I couldn't keep quiet about it. I wanted to share the benefits with others but knew I had to do it properly.
In 2003 I trained to be a Buteyko practitioner. After a lot of research, I decided to follow a training course run by the Buteyko Institute of Breathing and Health (BIBH) because it seemed to be more rigorous than some of the others available at the time and involved practical work with real asthmatics.
After an extensive theory course, I went to Scotland to be taught by Paul O’Connell, the Chief Executive Officer of the BIBH, and Jill McGowan, who had been presented with the Great Scot Award in 2001 and the Pride of Britain Award in 2002 for her work with asthma sufferers. What I saw in Scotland was fascinating.
Suddenly I wasn't the only person I knew who had made an almost miraculous recovery from asthma. People of all ages and degrees of severity of the disease had shared my experience. It was an exciting time. We attended a local hospital lung function laboratory and witnessed the conventional treatment of asthmatics. I was extremely grateful to have found another way.
Since I qualified and started practising myself, I have helped so many others achieve wonderful results. I can't deny that each and every success gives me such a buzz! I'm determined to spread the word in any way I can.
In 2005, I was registered by the Buteyko Breathing Association (BBA) which recognised my BIBH training. Unlike the BIBH, the BBA is based here in the UK and is committed to improving the health of asthmatics and people with other breathing related problems.
While I feel my chemistry and teaching degrees are very helpful when teaching clients the Buteyko breathing method, I do believe my main asset is my own experience.
First I had to decide that it was possible to survive without the drugs I had depended upon for so long, and then I had to decide that it really was worth it. Then I had to do it. It really does enable me to empathise with people who have to come to these life altering decisions, whether for themselves or for their children.
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) reported in 2005 that there were 300 million sufferers of asthma worldwide - and that the numbers are growing.
Something has to be done to remedy this terrible situation.
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