Kodak Pledges Support For Asthma UK

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 19 Feb 2008 - 5:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Asthma UK is embarking on a new charity partnership with Kodak in 2008 and has accepted a generous contribution towards some of the charity's key projects to help children with asthma, including a Kick Asthma Junior 2K running event and the Kick Asthma website.

The UK has amongst the highest rates of childhood asthma in the world with on average three children with asthma in every classroom and over half experiencing severe symptoms like unpredictable asthma attacks or hospital admissions. Asthma UK is dedicated to helping the health and well-being of all those affected by asthma.

Kodak's funding will support the Kick Asthma Junior 2K which is being held at Dorney Lake, Windsor on Easter Saturday (22 March). The event not only raises vital funds for Asthma UK's work, but also raises awareness that provided their asthma is well managed, children with asthma should be encouraged to enjoy sports and exercise and reach their potential. Paula Radcliffe has asthma and she hasn't let it hold her back!

The Kick Asthma Junior 2K run is open to all children under 16, with prizes for the winners of the under 10s race, the 10-12 years race and the 13-15 years race and goodie bags for all children taking part. With Kodak's support, the event promises to be a fantastic family day out, with plenty of Easter activities and entertainment.

Kodak's donation will also support the Kick Asthma website kickasthma.org.uk designed especially for children with asthma. This tailored resource provides them with helpful information and advice as well as lots of fun games and lively characters. The site not only helps children manage their asthma more effectively, but also provides them with support from their peers who understand what they are going through. With Kodak's funding, Asthma UK can expand the website, ensuring it continues to be fun and relevant for children with asthma.

In addition to the generous donation towards these projects, Kodak employees at its five sites around England plan to get involved through fundraising events and activities throughout the year.

Anne Breary, of Asthma UK's Corporate Fundraising Team says: 'We are delighted to be working with Kodak. Over a million children in the UK are affected by asthma and Kodak will be providing vital funding for projects that will have the potential to have a widespread and lasting impact on children with asthma and significantly improve their lives. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Kodak and their employees for their commitment to fundraise for us over the year.'

Julian Baust, Chairman and Managing Director of Kodak Limited said: 'Kodak chose to support Asthma UK because of the amazing work the charity do to help disadvantaged children in the UK who have asthma. Our donation will enable us to sponsor the Kick Asthma Junior 2K run and help make improvements to the Kick Asthma website.'

Notes

1. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma.

2. More than 150,000 people in Northern Ireland have asthma: 115,000 adults and 35,000 children.

3. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website http://www.asthma.org.uk.

4. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at http://www.asthma.org.uk/adviceline.

Asthma UK