People don’t seem to understand how fatal asthma can be

As a retired police officer, I’ve always been very active. But one morning I went for a run and had a tight chest.

I booked an appointment with my GP who initially didn’t think my symptoms were asthma as it was the height of the COVID pandemic. Another GP who checked me over did a peak flow test and diagnosed me with asthma. My asthma was then well controlled with medication for several years.

I was hospitalised after a cold

In January 2025, I was very unwell with a cold which triggered my asthma symptoms. I ended up being hospitalised and was given oxygen and steroids. During this time in hospital, I was diagnosed with severe asthma. I also have nasal polyps which can trigger an attack and badly affect my asthma.

Nasal polyps are small growths in the nose. If you have asthma and nasal polyps, it can sometimes mean you have asthma that’s more difficult to manage and treat.

A second asthma attack left me in intensive care

In July 2025, I was hospitalised again after an asthma attack. I was at home with my daughter, and she could see that I was struggling with my breathing. The next thing I remember is that I was in intensive care.

Since then, I’ve been referred to specialists who have completely changed my treatment. I’ve started a 12 month trial of biologics, and so far the treatment has proved successful. I’m also currently waiting for an operation for my nasal polyps.

It could have been a different story 

It’s fair to say it could have been a very different outcome for me if my daughter wasn’t there when I had my asthma attack. It’s my 60th birthday next year and I’ll be holding a series of events to fundraise for Asthma + Lung UK to say thank you for their support.