Activity holidays a hit with youngsters
27 July 2005

Youngsters with asthma in Northern Ireland and Scotland enjoyed a week of adventures, challenges and advice on healthy living at the first of this year's PEAK activity holidays.

Fifty-six children aged 7-16 joined trained volunteers and healthcare professionals in Ballycastle and Edinburgh on two of Asthma UK's specially designed adventure breaks.

The holidays help youngsters with asthma to gain confidence by taking part in challenging activities, while making new friends and learning more about how to control their symptoms.

Highlights of the week in Ballycastle included a visit from a representative of Ulster Rugby Club who shared training and fitness tips, an afternoon of climbing and abseiling, and a creative session designing T-shirts.

Youngsters on the Edinburgh holiday enjoyed events of a marine flavour, including an outing to the beach, a trip to Deep Sea World, swimming and canoeing.

'The young people who attend PEAK holidays have a fantastic time and don't want it to end,' said Patrick Ladbury, Asthma UK's Children & Young People's Services Manager.

'As well as learning about how to manage their asthma better, they also gain so much confidence from taking part in adventurous activities and being away from home.'

Places available on holidays in August

PEAK holidays are supervised by trained volunteers and asthma nurse specialists, who have access to a full range of medical equipment generously donated by Clement Clarke, GlaxoSmithKline and Respironics.