The Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity recently celebrated 15 years of life saving work, having improved the lives of over 111,320 individuals and families living with asthma across Scotland in the 15-year period.
Since its founding in 2009, the Foundation has reshaped asthma care, reducing hospital admissions by an astounding 68% and improving school attendance for countless children, and helping adults including the elderly live well with this life-limiting and life-threatening condition.
A legacy of key life-saving projects
From the outset, the Foundation’s journey has been marked by groundbreaking projects that have redefined asthma care and raised awareness across Scotland. Projects like the My Breath Is My Life in Grampian, Edinburgh, Lothians, and the Scottish Borders, as well as The Breathing Room in Glasgow and the Clyde, have transformed how people with lived experience of asthma, their families, carers and communities deal with asthma. Through thousands of workshops, adults and children living with asthma, their families and carers, have been equipped with the right skills to manage asthma and allergies with confidence, ensuring better live chances and better education and career outcomes.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, CEO of Asthma and Allergy Foundation reflected on this incredible: "Fifteen years of impacting lives—it is both a time to celebrate our numerous achievements and renew our dedication to the mission ahead. We have worked tirelessly so no one has to face asthma alone or die needlessly from the condition. Together, with the strength of our community, volunteers, sponsors and partners, we have built something extraordinary, a dedicated service helping people with asthma breathe better and live full lives."
The Foundation’s trailblazing work includes the recent launch of asthma awareness e-Learning course, which bring asthma and allergy education directly to businesses and to the fingertips of individuals who need it most.
Vicki McGrain Rae, Head of Services and Health Promotion at Asthma and Allergy Foundation added: "The power of education and support cannot be overstated. We see the difference in every life touched by our work, and we are committed to reaching even more people."
Empowering communities through airwaves and campaigns
Adding to its arsenal of impactful initiatives is the Breathe Better Scotland radio show on shmuFM, hosted by the dynamic Stephen Tetteh Nakote, Project Coordinator at Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Airing every 4th Monday of the month at 1pm, this show has reached audiences not just in Scotland, but globally with listeners streaming the show online. With practical advice, personal stories, and expert insight, the show continues to inspire listeners to take control of their asthma and empowers them to live and thrive with their condition. This show has become a lifeline for many.
Other standout campaigns, such as Be Asthma Aware, Asthma 999, Prevention is the Best Treatment, and National Fragrance-Free Day, have further extended asthma awareness and management techniques to communities across Scotland. Each initiative brings the Foundation closer to its goal of building a community of supporters across the country where no one with asthma is left behind to struggle on their own.
Building future leaders, one volunteer at a time
The backbone of the Foundation’s success lies in its volunteer base whose passion and commitment has fuelled the organisation’s far-reaching impact. These volunteers, who are mentored directly by Stephen Tetteh Nakote, are central to delivering the Foundation’s vision across Scotland. "Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our work," Stephen Nakote said. "Their energy and dedication breathe life into our mission, and it’s a privilege to mentor them. Together, we’re changing lives today as well as shaping future leaders in asthma care."
Through the Foundation’s partnerships with University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, Stephen Nakote oversees placements for postgraduate and medical students. These placements provide hands-on experience in asthma management and ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals are not only well-versed in asthma care but passionate about making an impact.
Stephen Nakote added, " We’re building the next generation of leaders. Our students leave with a deep understanding of asthma and a drive to create lasting change with leadership development for a healthier future."
Looking forward: A future of hope and impact
As the Asthma and Allergy Foundation celebrates 15 years of life-saving achievements, the organisation is firmly focused on the future. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter, with a commitment to expanding its reach so that every person in Scotland with asthma has access to the care, support and education they need and deserve so they are empowered to manage their condition where they live, work, learn, play and socialise.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike looked ahead with optimism, stating: "We have come covered a lot of ground, but there’s still much more to do. With the unwavering support of our community, sponsors, and partners, we will continue pushing forward and ensure that every person with asthma in Scotland can live a life full unhindered by their asthma."
Asthma and Allergy Foundation is looking for your support. Whether through sponsorships, donations, volunteering or simply spreading awareness, everyone has the power to make a difference. Together, we can continue to transform lives and build a Scotland where no one has to face asthma alone nor die needlessly from the condition.
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.