Students, pupils, musicians and international performers have come together in a powerful show of community spirit, raising awareness and vital funds for Pulmonary Fibrosis NI (PFNI) through a unique series of drumming events across Tyrone and Fermanagh.
The initiative, spearheaded by Donna Cooney to honour her husband George and his brothers, entitled “Beats for Breath,” took place during the first week of March and culminated in a remarkable 24-hour Drumathon. Blending music, education and community engagement, the campaign united participants of all ages and backgrounds, from local school pupils to world-renowned drummers, including contributors from across NI, Cork and as far afield as New Zealand.
At the heart of the campaign was a clear mission: to shine a light on pulmonary fibrosis, a life-limiting lung disease that often goes unrecognised, until sadly it directly impacts a family.
Clare Donohoe, Co-ordinator of Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, said: “Pulmonary fibrosis is a life-limiting lung disease that many people have never heard of until it affects someone they love. ‘Beats for Breath’ was about raising awareness, bringing communities together, and celebrating the incredible support that exists for families living with this condition. Seeing students, musicians and volunteers unite through music and rhythm has been both inspiring and deeply moving.”
A Week of Rhythm, Learning and Community
The programme began on 3 March 2026 at South West College’s Dungannon Campus, where Health and Social Care students took part in an interactive Wellness in Rhythm workshop led by professional drummer Aidan Dunphy. Students learned about pulmonary fibrosis before engaging in group drumming sessions that promoted teamwork, coordination and wellbeing in an energetic and supportive environment.
On 6 March, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School hosted a vibrant whole-school drumming day involving more than 300 students and staff. Year 11 pupil Dara Melarkey and world champion pipe band drummer Matthew Brownlee led several of the drumming activities along with Aidan Dunphy from Wellness in Rhythm and Mr Beddard, the Vice Principal. Pupils participated in a wide range of musical activities, from African drumming workshops (with 41 African Drums kindly loaned by The Arc Centre in Irvinestown) to the unique sound of pipes and drums echoing across the school, to rock and traditional music performances featuring the bodhrán and flute.
A standout moment saw students create percussion using everyday household items pots, pans, lids, biscuit tins and cups, producing an enthusiastic and memorable wall of sound.
The School Council, Mrs Kettyle (Senior Teacher), Mr Beddard (Vice Principal) along with the very talented musicians and staff, played a central role in delivering the day successfully, by combining creativity, collaboration and fundraising. The school alone raised an incredible £1,700 in support of the ‘Beats for Breath’ campaign.
Lecale Trinity and St Malachy’s schools in Castlewellan also took part in the drumming event.
The ‘24-Hour Drumathon’
The highlight of the week was the ‘Beats for Breath’ 24-hour Drumathon, held at South West College’s Erne Campus from 10 am on Saturday 7 March through to 10 am on Sunday 8 March 2026.
More than 50 drummers performed continuously across the full 24 hours in an extraordinary display of endurance, dedication and talent. The event was headlined by professional drummer and three-time Guinness World Record holder Ali Brown, who also played a key role in planning and delivering the Drumathon, performing for over 10.5 hours overnight.
The event featured a range of special contributions, including a live-streamed performance from Barry Forsythe from The Deer’s Head, Belfast, and pre-recorded performances from internationally renowned endurance drummer Paul Bondsfield in New Zealand and Cork-based musician and tutor Cian O’Sullivan.
Both Ali Brown and Cian O’Sullivan share a personal connection to pulmonary fibrosis, having both lost a parent to the disease, adding a deeply personal dimension to their performances.
Young musicians were also central to the success of the Drumathon, with 28 student drummers delivering confident performances under the guidance of their tutors Marty Jones and Lisa Howe, with many appearing before a public audience for the first time.
The entire event was streamed live, allowing supporters to follow the Drumathon throughout the 24-hour period, and audiences were also welcomed into the College.
A True Community Effort
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team ensured the seamless delivery of the event. South West College’s Alan Connolly, avid drummer and technical maestro managed the technical production and live broadcast non-stop throughout the 24 hours, supported by Gareth Shaw on the streaming platform, while audiovisual coverage was captured by William McElroy and Patrick Corr.
PFNI also acknowledged the invaluable support of its ambassadors and volunteers (Sylvia Lucy, Valerie Brown and Mary Gilmurray), who provided refreshments throughout the event, as well as extending their sincere gratitude to their sponsors including The Henderson Group, Asda, Tesco, and Paddy Tracy and Peter Stewart.
Special thanks was also extended to the team at South West College’s Erne Campus, including Sharon McGrath, Rachel Elliott, Freddy Steele and John (Caretaker) for entrusting PFNI with the world-class facilities at South West College Erne Campus, and ensuring the overall success of the event.
Lasting Impact
To date, the ‘Beats for Breath’ campaign has raised an outstanding £6,786, which will directly support individuals and families living with pulmonary fibrosis across Northern Ireland. Funds will contribute towards PFNI’s 5* respite services at Puffin Lodge in Ballycastle and Inis Ceithleann Retreat at Lough Erne.
Beyond fundraising, the campaign has had a profound impact, raising awareness, fostering community connections, supporting mental wellbeing, and creating lasting memories for all involved.
Reflecting on the campaign’s success, Clare Donohoe added: “The generosity, talent and commitment shown by everyone involved has been extraordinary. Every drumbeat has helped strengthen the support network for our members and their families across Northern Ireland. Most importantly, this campaign has reminded us all of a simple but vital message, we should never take breathing for granted… ‘Every breath matters’.”
