Scotland’s dedicated asthma charity, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) which provides evidence-based health information, confidential advice and practical support to adults and children with asthma, their families and carers across Scotland recently launched its AAF Ambassador Initiative to bring together influential individuals with lived experience of asthma to help champion their work and amplify the voices of Scotland’s 368,000 adults and children living with this often overlooked yet life-threatening and life-limiting condition.
In a significant new appointment, Michael Matheson MSP, former Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, has been named as the newest ambassador for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF). This pivotal role will see him joining a dedicated team of fellow Ambassadors, including revered three-time Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley MBE, to champion the foundation’s life-saving work and drive its mission forward.
A Visionary leader with a personal connection
Mr. Matheson, a lifelong advocate for efficient and reliable healthcare provision, brings a wealth of experience to the Foundation. His personal commitment aligns with The Foundation’s mission to improve health outcomes for the 368,000 adults and children across Scotland who battle asthma every day.
"Michael’s passion for the well-being of his constituents and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with asthma make him a great Ambassador," said Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. "His unwavering dedication to health improvement, combined with his personal connection to asthma, will undoubtedly strengthen our mission and help elevate the voices of those who need support the most."
Empowering communities and driving change
For nearly 15 years, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has been on the frontlines, offering 1:1 and group asthma awareness and management workshop, advice line, practical support, and providing reliable health information on asthma to 15,986 thousand Scottish families, carers, and individuals affected by asthma and allergies annually, helping them to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. Mr. Matheson’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for the foundation as it expands its reach and enhances its services to improve the quality of life for asthma sufferers in every corner of the country.
"This appointment is not just an honour, it is a responsibility," said Mr. Matheson. “I have seen first-hand the challenges parents face when their children struggle to breathe, and I am committed to ensuring that every family knows they have an ally in this battle. I am incredibly proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the team at Asthma and Allergy Foundation and the many families they support daily as they continue providing vital support to ensure every adult and child living with asthma in Scotland can manage their symptoms better and improve overall quality of life.”
Voices of support and collaboration
Fellow AAF Ambassador Colin Black shared his enthusiasm about Mr Matheson's appointment: "Having someone like Michael onboard, who knows the personal struggles of families affected by asthma, will be game-changing for the Foundation. His voice will amplify our collective efforts and bring more attention to the critical issues we tackle every day."
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike further expressed her confidence in Michael’s appointed "We have already seen Michael's compassionate leadership in action. With him now part of our ambassadorial team, we know we will reach even more communities and touch more lives with our life-saving work." Together we will work to ensure that adults, young people and children living with asthma in Scotland are supported, so they can live full lives – just like everyone else.
For more information about the Asthma and Allergy Foundation's life-saving programs and initiatives, or for sponsorship and partnership opportunities please visit www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk, email info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk or call 01224 973001.