In celebration of World Asthma Day last week and Grampian Wellbeing Festival this month, seven talented schoolchildren from across Aberdeen City and Shire have been named winners of a unique design competition aimed at turning asthma inhalers into symbols of creativity and empowerment.
Organised by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation in partnership with The Inhaler Tailor, the competition invited pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 to design colourful, fun, and inspiring covers for asthma inhalers. The initiative not only encouraged artistic expression but also raised awareness around respiratory health in young people.
After careful deliberation, the judges selected the following seven winners for their outstanding creativity, design impact, and thoughtful messages:
1. Rosie Rushforth, Primary 1, Balmedie School
2. Eric Bisset, Primary 2, Balmedie School
3. Nina Heron, Primary 3, Hatton Cruden, School
4. Bella Blacklaw, Primary 4, Hatton Cruden School
5. Lucy Moore, Primary 5, Forehill School
6. Kerr McDonald, Primary 6, Hillside School – Overall Competition Winner
7. Ava Collie, Primary 7, Portlethen School
Each winner received a custom-made inhaler cover featuring their own design, along with a certificate presented at a special prize-giving ceremony at their schools.
“We were blown away by the number of entries as well as the creativity and thought the children had put into their designs,” said Will Hogge, founder of The Inhaler Tailor. “These young artists have transformed something clinical into a work of art—celebrating the power of inhalers to enable asthmatic children to live independent, fun-filled, action-packed lives.”
The competition followed a series of educational workshops delivered by Pam Cumming, health promotion manager at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Pupils learned about asthma triggers, inhaler use, and emergency response steps—equipping them with knowledge that could help save lives.
“The idea for the competition came after several pupils admired my inhaler cover during a school workshop,” explained Pam Cumming. “I was thrilled to partner with The Inhaler Tailor to launch a challenge that not only sparks creativity but helps children feel proud of managing their health. The response has been incredible, and every single participant should feel very proud.”
This initiative is part of a broader mission to destigmatise asthma and promote confidence in children living with the condition—reminding them that with the right support and attitude, they can live full and active lives.
More information about The Inhaler Tailor and their handmade inhaler covers can be found at www.inhalertailor.com.