As 2025 comes to a close, we want to begin with one simple message: thank you.
Because of you, thousands of people with asthma across Ireland were supported to stay well, feel confident, and breathe easier this year.
The impact you made possible
Your support helped us reach more people than ever before with trusted information, expert care, and advocacy.
Throughout the year, over 2,000 people registered for our webinars, ensuring people had direct access to trusted, expert information. Our specialist nurses and physiotherapist also responded to 4,519 Adviceline calls and 4,995 WhatsApp messages, providing evidence-based, up-to-date support when it was needed most.
Our Adviceline and WhatsApp services have had a real and lasting impact on the lives of people who have used them – 57% reported reduced GP usage, and 48% of people said that the Adviceline led to a reduction in hospital stays/ED visits.
Our community in action
Throughout the year, our community came together to create a healthier Ireland for people with asthma.
World Asthma Day (6 May) marked the public launch of #ActiveForAsthma, with Olympian and campaign ambassador Derval O’Rourke. Research we carried out earlier in the year showed that 43% of people with asthma fear triggering symptoms during exercise, while 41% have reduced their physical activity over time due to their condition. The #ActiveForAsthma campaign focused on empowering people with asthma to get active with and for asthma – helping them manage their condition while raising vital funds for our work.
In July, we launched our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission, Backing Every Breath, Building Better Care. The submission called for subsidised asthma medication; prioritisation of combination and preventer inhalers; expanded asthma care services, including a National Severe Asthma Registry and specialist nurse recruitment; and targeted energy upgrades to improve indoor air quality in the homes of people with asthma.
September marked a major milestone for the Asthma Society, with the very first Icy Plunge for Asthma, held on 18 September at the Sandymount Hotel, Dublin. Over 40 incredible plungers, joined by ambassador Greg O’Shea, took on the challenge under the guidance of breathwork expert Níall Ó Murchú. Together, they raised an extraordinary €42,269 to support our work. Thank you to everyone who took part or donated. You can sign up for the 2026 Icy Plunge here.
Finally, this year we were delighted to get back on the road with our asthma community workshops, spending time with our community in Limerick, Portlaoise, and Galway. Each workshop offered a friendly, supportive space where people living with asthma, families, and healthcare professionals could come together to learn, listen, and share. Through open conversations, hands-on activities and free nurse-led inhaler support, participants were encouraged to ask questions, share their own experiences and connect with others who understand – creating a real sense of community and mutual support.
Every campaign, workshop, and conversation was powered by the same thing: a community that cares.
As we close the year, our Christmas appeal is still open. If you’re in a position to do so, a donation today will help ensure no one faces asthma alone in 2026.
With heartfelt thanks
First and foremost, we thank people with asthma and their families – for your trust, your courage, and for sharing your experiences so openly.
To our donors and funders, your belief in our work turns compassion into action.
To our Board, medical advisers and committees, thank you for your leadership, expertise, and guidance.
And to every supporter who read, shared, donated, attended, or spoke up – you are part of this impact.
Looking ahead
As we head into 2026, our focus remains clear: To support people with asthma to live well, and to keep pushing for a health system that truly meets their needs. With you beside us, we will continue to educate, advocate, and build stronger communities.
From all of us at the Asthma Society of Ireland, thank you for being part of our journey this year. We wish you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas, and a healthy, hopeful New Year.
