The team at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAF) were proud to be named finalists at this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, held on Saturday at The Chester Hotel.
The awards brought together twenty-four exceptional finalists from across the city and shire, recognising the vital contributions made by community groups, charities and volunteers. AAF was shortlisted in the “Campaign/Event of the Year2 category for its inspiring “Artful Inhalers Challenge”, a creative initiative that invited young people from Aberdeen City and Shire to design personalised inhaler covers, which were then brought to life by The Inhaler Tailor.
While the award went to Community Integrated Care for their outstanding Peter Pan: Adventure in Neverland project, the AAF team expressed deep pride and gratitude for the recognition.
“The Artful Inhalers Challenge was never just about art – it was about changing perceptions,” said Pam Cumming, Health Promotion Manager at AAF. “For many young people, using an inhaler can feel clinical or even embarrassing. We wanted to transform that narrative through creativity, education and empowerment – helping them see their inhalers as symbols of strength rather than limitation.”
The initiative captured the imagination of pupils across local schools, combining health education with creativity to raise awareness about asthma, its symptoms, and how to support someone during an asthma attack.
AAF’s Chief Executive, Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, commended the project and the team’s dedication: “We are incredibly proud of Pam and the entire team for bringing such innovation and compassion into this campaign. The Artful Inhalers Challenge embodies what AAF stands for, empowering individuals through awareness, creativity and community collaboration.”
Special recognition was given to Lucy Moore, a pupil from Forehill School, who attended the event with her mother. Lucy’s Taylor Swift-inspired inhaler design was one of the winning entries and even featured on Pam’s personal inhaler on the night.
The Foundation extended its thanks to:
- The Celebrate Aberdeen organisers and The Chester Hotel for hosting a wonderful evening
- Harriet and Will at The Inhaler Tailor, whose craftsmanship made the young designers’ visions a reality
- And the local teachers and schools whose enthusiasm and support made the challenge a success
Looking ahead, AAF is preparing a new creative art and writing challenge for the current academic year, inviting schools across the region to take part.
Schools interested in joining can contact:
info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk or pam.cumming@asthmaandallergy.org.uk
“Being a finalist was an honour,” added Pam. “But the real reward is seeing young people learn, create and take pride in something that represents their health and confidence. That’s what makes all the difference.”