OAP signs up for 'world first' COPD study

A NORTH East man has become the first person in the world to sign up to a new study which might help treat a chronic lung disease that hits many people in our region.

- SAM VOLPE

Newcastle hospital patient James Hammill, 76, a retired engineer decided to sign up after the NHS saved his life, he said.

Mr Hammill, who has lived with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for a decade, had a cardiac arrest in 2023 and was saved at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. He said the experience had inspired him to support NHS research and help other patients who have the same condition he has.