Asthma abseil ropes in support
07 May 2003

Heart Radio favourite Toby Anstis and BBC Children's TV presenter Kirsten O'Brien (pictured) launched the National Asthma Campaign's asthma charter at a sponsored abseil on 6 May, World Asthma Day.

Allmost 100 people made the 15-metre drop from the balcony of the Tate Modern, on a clear and sunny day with fantastic views of the London skyline. Abseilers included children and their teachers, a team from the Health and Safety Executive who were highlighting the dangers of occupational asthma and a press photographer for whom dangling over the ledge taking pictures of the popular event proved not enough of a challenge.

Several members of parliament also displayed their daredevil tendencies: Dr Liam Fox, Shadow Health Secretary, was first to take the plunge, followed by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Asthma's chair, Liberal Democrat Andrew George, and vice-chair, Labour MP Dr Howard Stoate who is also a GP.

Hundreds of people also supported World Asthma Day at ground level by holding 'Bubbly Breaks' – inviting friends and colleagues to share bubbly beverages and food in return for donations. They drew praise from soap star Barbara Windsor: 'Having asthma myself, I know how difficult it can make life sometimes,' she said.'Bubbly Breaks are a great way to have fun and help raise funds for people with asthma.'

The abseil and Bubbly Breaks will raise more than £30,000 for vital asthma research. Thanks to everyone who took part in an event, the abseil organisers and Tate staff.