We’ve achieved so much thanks to you
We’ve seen research discoveries, our campaigners have worked harder than ever and together we’ve made our voices heard in various ways this year. Nicola, from our digital team, takes you through our top achievements in 2021.
It’s been another tough year for us all. Yet thanks to your support, plus that of our wonderful volunteers, researchers, campaigners, corporate partners and so many more, we’ve still managed to achieve so much.
We want to share some wonderful successes with you this festive period and hope you can join us in looking back at 2021 and hoping for an even better 2022.
Research heroes
Where do we start! Together the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership has funded research helping to improve testing for COVID, spearheaded research in technology that can improve asthma, backed a project that successfully showed a new treatment for COPD could work and much more!
Support group success
Our sister charity, The British Lung Foundation’s support group team launched an online support group this year, to help bring people with a lung condition who were unable to join a physical group together.
They had amazing feedback and so many people signed up that they were over subscribed and have even more planned for next year!
You ran marathons!
After loads of cancellations our fantastic runners finally got a chance to take on the world’s best marathon, it was a joy to be back out there cheering them on!
Thank you to all the runners for your amazing fundraising, we’re looking forward to next year!
Our young campaigners were inspiring
This year two of our youngest campaigners, Jess and Jannat from Manchester, helped raise awareness of the effects air pollution is having across the city.
Since starting to campaign Transport for Greater Manchester have announced 50 reduced traffic areas for school streets across the city.
Our helpline champions
Our helpline team takes thousands of calls each year, helping to support everyone with a lung condition.
This year they answered even more calls, Whatsapp messages, emails and even took part in a series of Instagram Q&As.
Watch their informative Instagram reels
You stepped up to raise money for lung health
This year, we had so many incredible fundraisers working tirelessly to raise funds for vital research and support for people with lung conditions like asthma.
After avoiding exercise for over 40 years because of his asthma Kemal took up walking during the lockdown and the decision has been life-changing for him. Last month he completed the Camino de Frances - walking 800km from France to Spain in 30 days raising over £1000 for Asthma UK.
We continued to fight for cleaner air
2021 proved to be an exceptionally busy year for our fight for clean air. The UK was also host of COP26, the United Nations conference on climate change.
Our wonderful stand was papped by so many visitors and our campaigners featured on different media and social channels. We’ll be continuing on with the Clear the Air campaign in 2022.
Asthma awareness in Corrie
We saw asthma mentioned in multiple Coronation street episodes, when the character 12 year old Liam had an unexpected asthma attack playing football. Once again, raising awareness of lung conditions like asthma, and the impact they can have.
We’re looking forward to 2022 and will continue to be here to offer hope and support.
Where there’s Christmas, there’s hope
Last winter, the cost of running our Helpline was £182,754. This is expected to increase in 2021 as more people turn to us for support. Please donate today and help make sure we can be there for everyone who needs us.