A SUPER step-gran with only a third of a lung has spoken of how singing has transformed her life.

Janet Swift never dreamed she’d be able to belt out numbers with a community choir.

But now the 72-year-old is an established member of six-singer ensemble Rock Up and Sing! and has performed at home and overseas.

Mrs Swift, of Windgate, Silsden, was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 31 years ago after frequent chest infections and pneumonia.

As the condition worsened, surgeons removed her right lung in 1989 and then four years later two-thirds of her other lung.

“I had whooping cough as a baby and doctors believe that’s why I developed bronchiectasis,” said Mrs Swift who, with husband Robert, recently moved from Riddlesden, where they had lived for over 40 years.

“The condition causes your lungs to produce a lot of fluid and as a result they become very congested.

“Following the surgery I had some brilliant physio at Airedale Hospital and was taught to breathe in a completely different way.”

She learned of the choir when it sang at a Christmas fair at East Riddlesden Hall, where she is a volunteer guide.

The National Trust property’s visitor experience manager, Carla Weatherall, is a member.

Since signing-up to the choir, her health has vastly improved.

“I used to be in and out of hospital – and in the winter would spend a week there on intravenous drugs – but during my time with the choir I haven’t been in once,” she said.

“My breathing capacity has improved no end and at my annual health check-up the doctor was amazed by the difference.

“It has made such a huge difference to my life. I’ve made many new friends too.”

Choir director Rhiannon Gayle said she was delighted at how the singing had helped Mrs Swift.

“There is a lot of evidence about what singing does for people – from regulating the heartbeat to increasing lung function,” she added.

“Being part of a choir is a great way to meet new people and to challenge yourself.”

Rock Up and Sing! is staging an open rehearsal evening at Skipton Girls’ High School on Monday.

To attend call 01423 508500 or email cath@rockupandsing.com.