Ellie-May is thriving after years of struggling with asthma
Date Released - 12/09/2025
Ellie-May Pickett, 8 and from Dukinfield can now enjoy PE lessons and after-school clubs, something that once felt impossible due to her asthma.
Mum, Emma, remembers how Ellie-May was in and out of hospital needing oxygen for chest infections before she was even a year old. “They started her on inhalers when she was around 11 months,” she said. “Doctors couldn’t officially diagnose her until she was five, but they told us she had all the signs.”
Ellie-May’s story is being shared as part of Ask About Asthma Week (8–14 September), which is backed by Tameside Council to raise awareness and improve support for people living with asthma.
There are nearly 17,000 people in Tameside living with asthma, and last year alone saw 230 hospital admissions for under-19s due to the condition.
People with asthma, and parents/carers of children with asthma, are encouraged to take steps to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of attacks. These include:
- Having a written asthma action plan to guide day-to-day management and what to do if symptoms worsen.
- Using inhalers correctly.
- Booking an annual asthma review, and after every asthma attack, to check medication, inhaler technique, and update the action plan.
- Considering indoor and outdoor air quality, as environmental triggers can impact asthma control.
After those first hospital admissions, Ellie-May’s condition continued to worsen as she grew older, and she was referred to a specialist at Tameside Hospital at just three years old. Even though Ellie-May was too young to undergo formal testing for asthma, she could still be treated for probable asthma with the right medications. Over the years, her treatment plan had to be adjusted several times to make sure she was on the right inhalers to control her symptoms.
“She used to struggle to breathe, couldn’t speak properly, and was constantly tired,” said her mum. “Now, she hardly ever shows symptoms. She might still struggle a little in extreme weather, but it’s nothing like it used to be. I’m so grateful to have had the support of Ellie-May’s Nanna along the way, it’s made a real difference.”
Thanks to her improved health, Ellie-May is now able to take part in PE lessons and after-school clubs, something that was once out of reach.
Cllr Tafheen Sharif, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “Ellie-May’s story shows how vital it is to get the right support and treatment for asthma. We want every child in Tameside to have the chance to live a full and active life, and we’re proud to support initiatives like Ask About Asthma week.”
If you or your child are struggling with asthma, don’t wait, speak to your GP or asthma nurse and make sure you have a personalised asthma action plan in place.
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