The Duchess of Gloucester's message on World Asthma Day

To mark World Asthma Day 2020, The Duchess of Gloucester has sent a message to everyone supporting people with asthma at this difficult time: 

“On World Asthma Day, at a particularly daunting time, I would like to thank everyone going the extra mile to provide comfort, advice and treatment to those living with asthma.

“Services offered by charities, including Asthma UK of which I am proudly Patron, have become even more of a lifeline over the past few months, especially for those of you shielding at home.

“To everyone contributing to these efforts - whether it’s in person, over the telephone or virtually – I know you are under extraordinary pressure to keep people with asthma safe, and you are doing an extraordinary job. Thank you.”

The Duchess has been Patron of Asthma UK since 1975. This World Asthma Day, as COVID-19 affects the lungs and airways, it’s more important than ever for people with asthma to access the support they need. 

HRH also joined a call with Kay, Asthma UK’s Chief Executive, specialist asthma nurse Caroline and the charity’s services lead Helen yesterday.

Her Royal Highness heard from them about how the charity has been supporting people over the last few weeks. Their current services include: 

- A specialist asthma helpline, which saw eight times more calls than normal during March.

- Advice on shielding, inhaler shortages and support for key workers with children in high-risk groups.

- Online health advice from in-house experts. 

- A new, dedicated Post-COVID online hub and helpline, to specifically support people affected by breathing difficulties after contracting COVID-19.

Health advice for people with Asthma at this time can be found here.