A CREATIVE TikTok knitting challenge has helped raise vital funds for a Salisbury singing group supporting people living with serious lung conditions.

Bethany Basham raised £215 for the Salisbury Breathless Singers after launching an online “knit-a-thon” inspired by her mother’s involvement in the group.

The challenge saw Bethany knit a line for every pound donated, turning a simple idea into a growing online fundraiser that quickly captured attention and support.

Her mother, Sarah McCubbin, regularly attends the singing group after being diagnosed with bronchiectasis and chronic respiratory failure.

She credits the sessions not only with helping her breathing, but also with improving her emotional wellbeing and sense of connection.

The group, run by Sounds Better CIC, had recently faced a funding shortfall.

To keep sessions running, organisers temporarily merged the Salisbury Breathless Singers with an Introduction to Singing for Lung Health course, combining both groups while they secured longer-term support.

Seeing the impact the sessions had on her mother, Bethany decided to step in.

“I wanted to do something a bit different to help the local singing group, and that’s when I came up with the idea of the knit-a-thon,” she said.

“The support has meant a great deal, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed. The funds raised will help the group continue providing a space for people to come together and enjoy singing.”

The money will now help support the group’s return to its regular venue in Wilton on Tuesday afternoons.

Director of Sounds Better CIC, Liv McLennan, said the challenge highlighted both the importance of the service and the ongoing struggle to fund it.

“Securing funding for Singing for Lung Health is an ongoing battle, but we know that it serves the community and our members have seen great results with it – so we don’t want to give up! We’re hoping that others will be inspired by Bethany’s great idea, and help us to raise more funds to keep the group going.”

The Breathless Singers will next perform alongside Wilton Voices at a lunchtime concert at Old St Mary’s Church in Wilton Market Place on Thursday (June 4) at 12pm.