Avid drummers from across Northern Ireland will come together in rhythm, remembrance and hope as ‘Beats for Breath’, a powerful and innovative 24-hour drumming challenge, launches on March 7 from 10am, raising vital awareness and funds for families affected by pulmonary fibrosis across Northern Ireland.

The event is spearheaded by Lisburn man Ali Brown, a world-renowned endurance drummer and multiple Guinness World Record Holder, who most recently achieved an extraordinary 150 hours and one minute of continuous drumming.

Ali’s involvement with our ‘Beats for Breath – 24 Hour Drumathon’, is deeply personal as he lost his mother to pulmonary fibrosis in 2016.

“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.”

Lisburn world record breaking drummer Ali Brown is spearheading the 'Beats for Breath' drumming marathon in memory of his mum. Pic credit: Ali Brown

placeholder image — Lisburn world record breaking drummer Ali Brown is spearheading the 'Beats for Breath' drumming marathon in memory of his mum. Pic credit: Ali Brown

Funds raised through ‘Beats for Breath – 24 Hour Drumathon’ will support the work of Pulmonary Fibrosis NI, the only charity dedicated solely to supporting people affected by the disease across Northern Ireland.

Clare Donohoe, Co-ordinator with Pulmonary Fibrosis Northern Ireland, who also sadly lost her husband, Tom Donohoe, to pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 49, said she is deeply humbled and encouraged by the fantastic level of interest, support and enthusiasm this innovative event has generated across the wider community.

‘Beats for Breath – 24 Hour Drumathon’ has attracted participation from across Ireland and internationally, including Paul Bondsfield (The Longest Beat) from New Zealand, who attempted the Guinness World Records endurance drumming record, and Cain O'Sullivan from Cork, who has a personal connection to pulmonary fibrosis after losing his father to the disease, highlighting the reach of the campaign beyond Northern Ireland.

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Donations can be made online at https://pulmonaryfibrosisni.enthuse.com/pf/beats-for-breath-24hr-drumming.

Members of the public will be able to attend the live “Beats for Breath – 24 Hour Drumathon” event in South West College, Erne Campus during designated viewing times.

On Saturday March 7, 2026, the Erne Campus College building will be open to the public from 10am to 8pm.

Doors will reopen on Sunday morning, March 8, from 8am to 10am, allowing visitors to experience the final stages of the challenge, where Ali Brown will be showcasing his incredible drumming talents.