Shropshire toddler becomes face of Asthma UK

Tragedy struck Gemma and Ashley Brown when their little boy Cameron died in 2008, aged just two years old.

He has now been named as the face of Asthma UK in a bid to raise awareness for the condition.

Following his death, Cameron's parents Gemma and Ashley, of Bridgnorth, set up Cameron's Fund, also known as The Cameron Brown Lasting Memories Fund.

• Common asthma triggers include: House dust mites, animal fur, pollen, cigarette smoke, exercise and viral infections.

• In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma.

• The reason why some people develop asthma is not fully understood, although it is known that you are more likely to develop it if you have a family history of the condition.

• Asthma can develop at any age, including in young children and elderly people.

• For children diagnosed with asthma, the condition may disappear or improve during the teenage years, although it can return later in life.[/breakout]

It was set up for Asthma UK in his memory to raise funds for research and support for the five million people in the UK with the condition.

Since then, the couple campaigned tirelessly to get asthma kits into schools.

Mrs Brown said: "Cameron was a lovely, cheeky little chap. He was suspected of having asthma when he was very young.

"One day, I noticed he developed a wheeze. I was so worried about his breathing, and tried phoning my GP but the line was permanently engaged. I felt so helpless, I didn't know what to do.

"Thankfully, I found the Asthma UK Helpline number. I spoke to the Asthma UK nurses and they were so helpful and caring. I took their advice and called an ambulance.

"The paramedics checked Cameron carefully and fortunately his breathing slowly returned to normal.

"But a few months later, without any warning, he had a severe asthma attack. I called the ambulance and this time he was taken to hospital.

"His condition deteriorated so rapidly and his body simply couldn't cope. The doctors tried everything to save him but tragically, he died. We were devastated. Our little boy had died - we had no idea that asthma could kill so quickly."

Cameron was the couple's oldest child, who now have two other son's Matthew and Jason and they also suffer with asthma.

"My boys Matthew and Jason have asthma too. So after Cameron's death, I am determined to make sure they have the best possible care.

"I always turn to the Asthma UK Helpline. It has all the up-to-date information I need to manage my children's asthma. I feel confident that I am doing all I can for them.

"That's why I'm asking for your help today. Funding the Helpline is so important.

"There are so many people suffering from asthma who need advice, support and comfort given by the Helpline. Asthma UK's Helpline urgently needs funds to train its team of nurses and continue its vital work."

The new asthma kits, which are being rolled out to school's, mean that for the first time, schools can administer potentially life-saving inhalers to children having an asthma attack.