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PATRONS |
Patrons perform a vital role for
AAIR, representing the charity whenever possible and doing what they can to help raise our profile and income by encouraging others to lend their support. We are extremely grateful for all their support.
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Lawrie McMenemy MBE
I’m very please to support AAIR which is an extremely worthwhile cause. I was very surprised when I found out the high numbers of people with asthma and allergies so obviously there is a lot of research needed into causes and cures which, of course costs a lot of money.
In the world of professional football there are a lot of fit people but they are still affected by asthma and allergies. I recall players who would not be feeling too good but could not place what was wrong until they discovered they had an allergy. In some ways a broken leg is easier to deal with – it can be assessed quite easily but identifying allergies can be very difficult and there can be a long period of feeling unwell before an allergy is
recognised. |
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Fred Dinenage
I'm delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile charity as
AAIR. Until I worked with the charity recently I hadn’t appreciated how severely asthma and allergies affect so many people. For those of us who are lucky enough not to be affected it's easy to take breathing for granted. But to have to fight for breath must be extremely frightening and is heartbreaking to witness, especially if the sufferer is a child. That's why the work that AAIR does to support vital research is so important. |
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Sharron
Davies MBE
As more and more people suffer with asthma and allergy-related illness it is important that valuable research is carried out into why this is happening and in helping those suffering. Please support AAIR as best you can and make life more bearable for many. |
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Jan Smart – AAIR
Ambassador
Jan started helping AAIR fundraise in 2001 after her 18-year-old daughter Racheal died of an asthma attack. She is now an ambassador for
AAIR, helping with many of our fundraising events.
It’s surprising how many asthma and allergy sufferers there are. I think almost every family is affected by either one of these conditions in some way and I wanted to do something to help them. Since helping AAIR I’ve met so many lovely people and know I’m doing something really worthwhile. I can honestly say I really enjoy being involved with the charity. |
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Dr Patrick Moore CBE
I totally support AAIR. Asthma is a terrible disease and we have to combat it. |
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Fiona Phillips
As the sister of an asthmatic I know how life threatening it can be. I offer AAIR my wholehearted support. |
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Francis Benali |
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Paul Philp
"I was honoured to be asked to become an AAIR patron and delighted to accept. Since being a patron I've realised that AAIR is not just a worthwhile cause it is also a pleasure to be involved with such a genuine team. I can especially recommend their events which are guaranteed to be a fantastic night out." |
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Shaun Udal
The AAIR Charity is undoubtedly an outstanding charity to support as asthma and allergies can and do affect anyone at any time. Not enough attention is paid to the quality of air we breathe in and for people with an asthma or allergy problem this can cause countless problems and unfortunately can be fatal. If anyone reading this can help in any way, however small, then please do support such a fantastic cause. Any help I can give as a Patron is an absolute pleasure and I look forward to contributing more in the coming years. |
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Ian Botham OBE |
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Honorary Corporate Patron: Southern Water
Southern Water's Geoff Loader said: "I am delighted we are helping such a worthwhile cause after our staff nominated AAIR. It was fascinating to be taken on a tour of the research centre at Southampton General Hospital and see the work that AAIR supports.
"Our raceday at Fontwell drew the biggest crowd to the racecourse last year and I am pleased to say that we will be holding the event again this year on the first Saturday in October. I am happy to confirm that AAIR will once again be one of the beneficiaries and would encourage all supporters to come along because every person through the gate means more funds for charity."
Geoff was speaking as AAIR Patron Fred Dinenage accepted, on behalf of AAIR, a cheque for £10,000 following Southern Water’s Super Irish Raceday at Fontwell Park racecourse.
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Kevan Walsh
Zenergi Ltd - Corporate Bronze Patron
"I have been an asthmatic all my life, not chronically thank goodness, but enough for me to take it easy sometimes! In previous years I also took part in the studies carried out by the very enthusiastic nurses at Southampton, so feel I have always had a close link to AIRR in more ways than one. Thankfully my company is now in a position to be able to support local charities and I could think of no greater cause than this one."
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Denis Bundy
"It wasn't until I was speaking at a function where a young lady died of an asthma attack that I realised asthma doesn't just make people unwell, it can be fatal. That very sad experience brought home to me the importance of finding better treatments and cures for asthma. I am pleased to do anything I can do to help raise AAIR's profile and highlight the truly vital work they are involved with." |
Photograph by Mark Lloyd |
World Record Breaking Sailor Brian Thompson
"I am very honoured to be an AAIR patron and look forward to being able to get more involved."
Congratulations to Brian and Dee Caffari on taking 8th place in the gruelling Transat Jacques Vabre race to Costa Rica. You can read about their success here and more on Brian's decision to become an AAIR Patron here! |
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Photographs by Mark Lloyd
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AAIR welcome a new member of ‘the Crew’
Record Breaking Yachtsman Brian Thompson has become an AAIR Patron.
AAIR is delighted to welcome our newest celebrity patron World Record Breaking yachtsman Brian Thompson.
Brian agreed to support the charity after taking part in our Question of Sport Supper last October where he unexpectedly allowed us to auction himself and a boat for the day - raising an amazing £2,200.
Brian said: “After going to the event and meeting the team I had a really good feeling about AAIR and when I found out more about the pioneering research the charity supports I was very keen to help. I was very honoured when I was asked to be a patron and am looking forward to getting involved.”
Coincidentally, just weeks after becoming a patron Brian discovered his 4 year old daughter Genevieve was an asthma sufferer – while he was at sea thousand of miles from home! Brian was competing in the gruelling two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Harve, France to Costa Rica onboard Aviva with Dee Caffari.
Brian said: “A few days into the race I was told Genevieve was in hospital following a serious asthma attack. It was a very worrying few days especially as I couldn’t be with her. Thankfully she has recovered but we have to ensure we look after the condition.”
Despite the worries Brian and Dee went on to finish the race in 8th position, battling some extreme weather conditions which forced four crews to retire.“It was a really exciting race with the highest quality of boats and sailors ever, which meant anyone from the original fleet of 14 could have won. The weather conditions were extreme from being becalmed in the final stages to a massive storm on day 4 where 60 knot winds forced our nearest competitor to abandon his boat after his deck broke off. This was also the first time Dee and I had sailed together, Dee was a really fantastic skipper, such a pleasure to race with, always upbeat despite the conditions, and always pushing her boat to the maximum. We made a great team.” We look forward to Brian’s support and to following his future sailing achievements as we know he is always keen to take on new challenges. |
