Students and staff at Stratford-upon-Avon College are being invited to mark World Asthma Day on 4^th May. The theme this year is “You Can Control Your Asthma”. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and the Global Initiative for Asthma will be holding events in dozens of countries.

Denise O’Shea, the College Nurse, has invited the Alex Curtis Memorial Trust to give talks and information on asthma control, which are particularly aimed at young people.

Peter Curtis set up the Trust after the death of his son Alex from an acute asthma attack at the age of 17. The Trust’s aims include underlying the importance amongst school children and students with asthma of taking their medication regularly and giving advice on how to help someone deal with an attack and how to cope with the situation.

Talks are given to schools and colleges to offer support to asthma sufferers, their friends, family and teaching staff and to counter the complacency some people express regarding the illness. Peter’s wish is that no other family suffers the trauma they have. Over 1.1 million children have asthma in the UK but with help to control their symptoms they can lead full and active lives.

Peter’s sister Margaret is a local volunteer co-ordinator for the charity and would like to hear from anyone interested in getting involved. For those prepared to give short presentations to students and children, all information and training will be given by the Alex Curtis Memorial Trust.

To offer your services or to find out more go to www.alexcurtis.org.uk|, telephone either 0845 652 1589 or the Stratford Volunteer Centre on 01789 262889.