Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity marked its 15th anniversary with an unforgettable evening at the magnificent Aberdeen Trinity Hall on the October 5, 2024.
The milestone event honoured the foundation’s dedication to supporting adults and children living asthma and allergies, drawing together people with lived experience of asthma, funders, sponsors, partners, supporters, advocates, and friends to celebrate the huge successes the charity has recorded these past 15 years, a time to reflect on the challenges we have overcome, and an opportunity to look forward to the future.
The event which was generously sponsored by CNR International, was a night of laughter, heartfelt stories, and community spirit. Guests revelled in the lively ceilidh dancing, accompanied by the infectious toe-tapping tunes of the Ceilidh Band. The support of CNR International, whose continued commitment has been invaluable, was acknowledged with deep gratitude.
The evening was a mix of celebration and reflection as guests listened to stories of service users who have been supported by the charity over the years to manage their asthma better thereby having a greater quality of life, and the heart wrenching speech by Elaine Cunningham, mother of Lauren Reid, who tragically lost her life to an asthma attack in 2020. Her presence was a poignant reminder of the importance of Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s life-saving work and its role in preventing avoidable asthma deaths and helping asthma sufferers have a greater quality of life.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Lady Provost graced the celebration, offering inspiring words on the profound impact of the charity’s work. In attendance also were past Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett and George Adam and several guests representing all works of life.
Martina Chukwuma Ezike, CEO of Asthma and Allergy Foundation, gave a speech reflecting on the impact of the charity’s achievements over the past 15 years and the ongoing commitment to improving asthma care in Scotland. The guests were deeply touched by a video presentation that traced the charity's journey, featuring heartfelt testimonials from service users, dedicated staff, volunteers and the charity’s trustees and Ambassadors, whose presence added a touch of warmth. BP’s Senior Manager and AAF Ambassador, Katie Butler, enchanted everyone with her beautifully written speech that resonated with everyone, adding a deeply personal story of her own battel with asthma.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation is immensely grateful to all who made the night possible. From the trustees, ambassadors, and clinical advisors to the senior management team, staff, and volunteers, and every individual who played a role in making the event a success. As the charity celebrates this significant milestone, it looks forward to continuing its life-saving work to make Scotland a great place where adults, children and young people with asthma can live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives
The charity extends a special thank you to Ian MacIntosh, Master of Trades of The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, CNR International, all our sponsors and local businesses who generously donated raffle and auction prices. Their support not only made the event enjoyable but also helped raise vital funds for the foundation’s ongoing work. Trinity Hall provided a magnificent setting for the evening, and special thanks to Ewan, the Hall’s manager who not only kept everything running smoothly but also treated a few of the guests to an incredible guided tour of the historic venue.
One of the highlights of the evening was a thrilling auction, during which Dougie Coull won an exclusive weekend experience with a luxurious Peter Vardy Range Rover. The charity congratulates Dougie and eagerly awaits stories from his upcoming adventure.
For more information about the Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s programs and initiatives, or for sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please visit www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk, email info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk, or call 01224 973001.