13/01/2026
PRESS RELEASE
BEATS FOR BREATH – 24-Hour Drumming Challenge Set to Make Noise for Pulmonary Fibrosis Across Northern Ireland
7 March 2026 | From 10am | Across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is being called to come together in rhythm, remembrance and hope as “Beats for Breath”, a powerful innovative 24-hour drumming challenge, launches on 7 March 2026 from 10am, raising vital funds and awareness for families affected by pulmonary fibrosis.
Open to drummers of all ages, abilities and styles, “Beats for Breath” invites participants to drum solo, as a team, or as a relay, at home, in schools, clubs, community halls or venues of their choice. Schools and youth groups are especially encouraged to take part, with the flexibility to spread their 24 hours across several days. Please note registration for this event closes on Saturday 17th January 2026. Please register through the QR Code below:
The event is being spearheaded by Ali Brown, world-renowned endurance drummer and multiple Guinness World Records title-holder, who most recently achieved an astonishing 150 hours and 1 minute of continuous drumming, his third world record in endurance drumming, officially recognised by Guinness World Records and achieved in Lisburn.
But behind this incredible achievement lies a deeply personal mission. Ali lost his mother to pulmonary fibrosis in 2016, a devastating, incurable lung disease. Since then, he has dedicated his extraordinary talent to advocacy, awareness and fundraising using drumming not only as performance, but as a platform for change.
“This challenge is about far more than endurance,” Ali said. “It’s about giving a voice to families living with pulmonary fibrosis, honouring those we’ve lost, and bringing hope to those still fighting.”
Pulmonary fibrosis has a worse prognosis than many cancers, and Northern Ireland has the highest prevalence in the UK, yet the disease remains widely under-recognised and under-funded.
Every pound raised through “Beats for Breath” will support Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland (PFNI), the only charity dedicated solely to supporting people affected by the disease across Northern Ireland. PFNI provides support groups, respite facilities, education, advocacy and contributes to research, while standing alongside patients, carers and bereaved families across Northern Ireland.
The inspiration for ‘Beats for Breath’ a 24 hour drumming challenge, comes from a family whose lives were shaped by music, and devastated by pulmonary fibrosis. George Cooney, a drummer from a musical family, who played in bands throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. Along with his brothers, he dreamed of forming their own group, “Band of Brothers” to play free gigs for local charities, including hospices, cancer charities, and Chest Heart & Stroke.
In August 2019, George and two of his brothers played their final gig together. George performed for three hours while on oxygen. One month later, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). He passed away on 3 November 2019.
At the time, just like most families who receive this devastating diagnosis, his family had never heard of pulmonary fibrosis and found little support. During lockdown, another brother, Johnny, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and later passed away. A third brother, Charles, was also diagnosed and sadly also died from the disease.
Through searching for help, the family connected with the pulmonary fibrosis community in Northern Ireland and were welcomed into Pulmonary Fibrosis NI [NIC 109094], where support, understanding and compassion were found during the darkest of times, and still continues to support the family.
It is from this journey of loss, and the healing power of music, that “Beats for Breath” was born.
“PFNI supported me throughout my grief journey,” George’s wife Donna said. “That is why I want this challenge to succeed, to raise awareness of this cruel, life-limiting disease and to make sure other families do not feel alone.”
“Beats for Breath” is designed as a cross-community, inclusive event, welcoming everyone, from seasoned drummers to complete beginners, united by one simple idea: make noise for hope.
So whether you are a member of a rock band, Irish Trad band, school percussion team, marching band, community musician or a solo drummer, this challenge is open to everyone – all ages, styles and abilities are welcome.
✨ How to get involved:
• Drum for 24 hours (this can be over a period of a week - solo, team or relay) Prerecorded drumming sessions can also be used if not available on the date.
• Choose your own venue or
o In Fermanagh, participants can locate at South West College, Erne Campus Central Hall, 1 Cornagrade Road, Cornagrade, Enniskillen Co Fermanagh BT74 6DU for the event. Ali Brown will be drumming throughout the night session from 11 pm, and a drum kit will be set up alongside Ali, for drumming enthusiasts to accompany Ali for part of the session.
o In Co Down, participants can locate at The Men’s Shed, Dromore Road, Banbridge, BT32 4DU, where Stephen Mac host of ‘The Late Show with Stephen Mac’ on Bounce Digital Radio will be participating in the event.
• Get sponsored – Sponsor Forms or through the following link -
• Video or live-stream your performance
• Help make a real difference
📅 Event date: 7 March 2026 from 10am
🌐 Website: www.pulmonaryfibrosisni.co.uk
📩 Enquiries: [email protected] | [email protected]
👉 Registration available via QR code
📅 Deadline for Registration – 17th January 2026
As drumbeats echo across Northern Ireland, Beats for Breath aims to spark conversation, compassion and action, turning rhythm into recognition, and noise into much-needed support.
Let’s make some noise for hope, awareness and compassion for the pulmonary fibrosis community.
To donate, please use the following link, and alternatively sponsor forms are available on registration.
https://pulmonaryfibrosisni.enthuse.com/pf/beats-for-breath-24hr-drumming
