1. About Asthma UK
When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their
airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles around the walls of the airways tighten so
that the airways become narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed
and starts to swell. Sometimes, sticky mucus or phlegm builds up, which can further
narrow the airways.
These reactions cause the airways to become narrower and irritated - making it
difficult to breath and leading to symptoms of asthma.
Martyn’s story:
'Two of my sisters died from asthma and my youngest
daughter also suffers with it. For a long time, my wife
and I spent many occasions in hospital and at one point
my daughter was so ill she spent three weeks in bed
unable to walk, breath or move. Every trip to the
doctors seemed useless as they could not seem to make
her better.
From Martyn’s story and other asthmatic people, I 'On a friend's recommendation, my wife picked up the
think it would be good for companies to fund this phone to Asthma UK, and was put through to a
charity as it help people that are suffering with dedicated nurse who listened, asked questions and then
asthma and also give advise for children and offered advice. My wife went back to the doctors and
young adults on how they can cope with it at demanded every medication that had been suggested to
school and everyday routine. The usual symptoms her and a referral to a qualified asthma consultant.
of asthma are: coughing, wheezing, shortness of 'In three weeks, my daughter had completely turned a
breath and tightness in the chest. By helping this corner and with regular appointments with her
charity it will benefit asthmatic people that are consultant her quality of life has improved 100%.
athletic or sporty, as it is difficult to be athletic and 'My youngest sister would have been 50 years old and
have asthma. With companies funding this charity this year I'm running the London marathon for Asthma
it would help save peoples lives. UK. I can think of no better charity to raise money for.'