Sport Stars Front Asthma Awareness Campaign
Four British celebrities, including three from the world of sport, have fronted a new asthma awareness campaign.
Stuart Broad, Sebastian Coe, and Nicola Adams have joined TV chef Nadiya Hussain for the campaign, which aims to inspire asthma sufferers across the UK, as well as underlining the importance of seeking the correct medical advice and putting together a management plan for their condition.
The three sports stars have varying degrees of asthma, while Hussain does not have asthma herself, but has two sons who have been diagnosed with it.
The celebrities are sending the message to the public that are ‘Defined by my dreams, not by my asthma’, for the campaign, which is funded by healthcare group Chiesi.
The ‘Lung Letters’ campaign will tell the stories of the four in a series of open letters, spoken in their own words. Each personal piece details the highs and lows of their asthma journeys, and how they have learned to manage the condition and continued to live their lives, even succeeding at the top of their sports.
“Many people will not know that I suffer with asthma and have done my entire life,” said Coe, who has rarely spoken publicly about his asthma.
“The lungs that took me to the top of the podium have at times posed challenges. As a professional athlete, I felt I didn’t want my competitors to think I had any weaknesses. I didn’t want to appear vulnerable.
“But asthma was just part of my life – it wasn’t my life – and ultimately it didn’t stop me achieving my goals.”
England cricketer Stuart Broad added: “The first severe asthma attack I can remember was in November 2000. I was 14 years old. My passion for cricket was growing at that time and it could have knocked me back. But after speaking with healthcare professionals, a correct management plan was found, and I never looked back.
“I hope through this ‘lung letters’ campaign I can inspire other people who have asthma.”
Two-time Olympic champion, former WBO Flyweight champion and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant Nicola Adams had her first serious asthma attack at a young age. She said, “I was diagnosed with asthma following a particularly bad attack. My doctor told my mum that I shouldn’t run around too much as my asthma is exercise induced. I had to find what I was able to do within my own limitations.
“Now I know my asthma and how to manage it. It’s part of me. It’s always in the back of my mind. But I’m proud to say it’s not my asthma that defines me, rather my dreams.”
A 2018 report from charity Asthma UK found that three in five people in the country living with the condition do not get ‘basic asthma care’, which it defines as an annual asthma review, a written asthma action plan, and an inhaler technique check with a healthcare professional.
