17^th SEPTEMBER 2022

The  Intergenerational walk or run was planned for all ages from different Community groups or Faith to come together to help the organisation to raise the issues around Asthma and allergy. It was a lovely day and God blessed us with dry weather with a bit of sunshine. It took place at the Sefton Park Liverpool 17. The opportunity was also used as a fund raising  event for patients with Chronic Asthma in the UK and Nigeria with support from the Soroptimists International Liverpool.

We had participants all the way from Lancaster, Manchester and of course our friends and supporters from  different Community groups, Soroptimists International Liverpool and members from our Church – Bridge Chapel. Our Patron Dame Lorna and her husband Dr Renold Muirhead graced the occasion for us, The atmosphere was complimented by music from the Ashfield Company thanks to Mr and Mrs Mercer for donating their time to support the day with speakers etc

The Walk/Run was blasted off by our Patron with a good blow on the whistle. The first runner made it within 7mins followed by other two runners but these participants are usual runners. Our last walker who is nearly 80 years old with walking stick was made up to finish the walk round the park and she cried out “ I made it” What a joy to hear to hear her delight!!

There were medals for everyone who participate in the event as a token of thanks from the organisation to them.

On this point on behalf of Omolara’s parents and the Trustees I will like to say a big thanks to the City Council for allowing us to have the event at the Park,those who were giving me advice on how to arrange such a big event, to our Patron and her husband coming out early in the morning to support us, all organisers especially our Public Relation Officer Mrs Claire Casswell and all the trustees who helped on the day, our photographer Chelsea Matson for brilliants photos of the day, the Marshals standing on the strategic points to encourage and help the walkers and runners to keep going, my Soroptimist sisters and “Soroptimisters” and EVERYONE who made the day a success by helping us with either bringing the Chairs to the park or bringing participants or directing them.

We will like to thank you all for your generous donations either on the day , via the bank account or the website. Your donations will go a long way and we will keep you informed of the use via our website -www,breatheeasyfoundation.co.uk

I will like to thank our family  Kole ,Gen and our granddaughters – Nina and Etta who ran all the way round the park to the starting point for their Auntie Lara. Above all our thanks to our Father above who has made everything possible on that day. A BIG THANKS TO YOU ALL.

DORCAS O AKEJU, OBE

CHAIR

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME BUT CHILDREN WILL BE SUPERVISED BY ADULTS. 

MEETING POINT : FIELD OPPOSITE PALM HOUSE, SEFTON PARK LIVERPOOL L17 1AP

To register for the event please contact Mrs Dorcas Akeju, OBE—Chair— 07952058641

Mrs Claire Caswell—PRO/Fund Raising Trustee—07549658876

PLEASE DONATE VIA OUR JUST GIVING PAGE  OR CONTACT US 

ANNUAL REPORT NOVEMBER 2021

 TRUSTEES

Mrs Dorcas Akeju, OBE-Chair

Mr Claudius Akeju- Secretary

Mr Isaac Adewusi- Treasurer

Mrs Patricia Thomas-Public Relation & Communication Officer

Mrs Claire Casswell-Publicity/Fund Raising

Dr Joseph Garr

Mr Koleola Akeju

Mr Alfred Abbey

Patron ~ Dame Lorna Muirhead

Short Background: 

The Foundation has been involved in raising awareness of Asthma  since the time it was established in November 2014.  Annually it sends trustees to Nigeria to work with our partners in raising awareness and distributing inhalers, peak flows and nebulizers at two Teaching Hospitals, health centres , churches and to community groups. It has produced leaflets in English and Yoruba which is one of the main languages in Nigeria

Bank Details: Barclays Bank, Allerton Rd Branch, Liverpool L18

 Asthma remains a killer in the United Kingdom as well as in Nigeria especially during this Covid time when Asthmatic patients are more vulnerable. 

ACHIEVEMENTS:

This year has been a difficult and challenging year for the Foundation. A lot of Charities like ours have been affected by Covid-19.  restrictions. Meanwhile the trustees met quarterly to discuss activities of the organisation in persons before the Covid -19 and on Zoom as necessary.

Our AGM  which was one of our achievements  was held on Zoom on the 14^th of November 2020 with 30 people joining including partners and volunteers from Nigeria. The chair gave her report highlighting the challenges faced by the Foundation due to the Pandemic, and the treasurer gave the financial report highlighting the balance in the account.

Our speaker was Professor Gregory Erhabor and the title of his topic was “MANAGING ASTHMA IN AFRICA DURING THE COVID ERA” He spoke about the trigger of asthma, its prevention and treatment. He then related the issue of Asthma with Covid and the importance of educating the patients and the public in general.                                                                                                                 

Our trustees made the annual trip to Nigeria in July 2021 despite all the odds about the pandemic to raise awareness about Asthma and Allergies in partnership with our partners.  We also launched the registration of the Organisation as Non Governmental Organisation (NG0) in the name of OMOLARA   AKEJU ASTHMA FOUNDATION- see attached photo.

The trustees donated nebulizers, peak-flows and ventolins to the University College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo   University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Ile-Ife. Local Hospital and a Church Medical centre. The patients were so appreciative.

FUTURE PLAN:

We hope in 2022 we will be able to have some fund raising activities and  raise awareness of Asthma on the World  Asthma Day which is 2^nd of May with Fun walking and Running event. We will continue to support  chronic Asthmatic patients both in the United Kingdom and Nigeria

Our sincere thanks to our Patron -Dame Lorna Muirhead and her husband Dr Ronald Muirhead for their encouragements and financial support,  to all our donors,  Bridge Chapel Congregation, families, friends and above all the trustees for their hard work all year round. A big thanks to Euro Chemist for their continuous support and looking after the collection box,  also shops such as Dress Sense and New Image Hair Saloon (Kensington, Liverpool) which have been helping with our collection boxes. May God continue to bless you all. Above all we thank God Almighty for this work.

Dorcas Akeju, OBE

ANNUAL REPORT

JUNE 2021

TRUSTEES

Mrs Dorcas Akeju, OBE-Chair

Mr Claudius Akeju-Secretary

Mr Isaac Adewusi-Treasurer

Dr Joseph Garr

Mr Koleola Akeju

Mrs Patricia Thomas

Mr Alfred Abbey

Patron ~ Dame Lorna Muirhead

Short Background: 

The Foundation has been involved in raising awareness of Asthma  since it was established since November 2010.  Annually it sends trustees to Nigeria to work with our partners in raising awareness and distributing inhalers, peak flows and nebulizers at two Teaching Hospitals, health centres , churches and to community groups. It has produced leaflets in English and Yoruba which is one of the main languages in Nigeria

 Bank Details: Barclays Bank, Allerton Rd Branch, Liverpool L18

Asthma remains a killer in the United Kingdom as well as in Nigeria especially during this Covid time when Asthmatic patients are more vulnerable. 

This year has been a difficult and challenging year for the Foundation. A lot of Charities like ours have been affected by Covid-19. We were able to hold two fund raising event through the hard work of our two supporters as will be highlighted later in the report before Covid restrictions. Meanwhile the trustees met quarterly to discuss activities of the organisation in persons before the Covid -19 and on Zoom as necessary.

COFFEE MORNING-

This was arranged by our Fund Raising Trustee (Mrs Trish Thomas) in partnership with Euro Chemist. Raffle tickets were sold in advance and patients using the Chemist and St James’s Health Centre were all invited to join. It was also advertised on Facebook. Dr Chatwin from St James’s Health Centre joined us and spoke about the appropriate use of inhalers and dangers of uncontrolled Asthma . There were plenty of minced pies and cakes with coffee and tea. A total of £710  was raised. A big thanks to Trish staff of Euro Chemist and all those who support the morning.

AFTERNOON TEA

The Afternoon Tea was arranged by one of our great support Mrs Claire Casswell. The day was well advertised on Facebook and at the local churches especially Bridge Chapel. The setting up started by 8.30 am and we had support from Claire’s family and many members of the Bridge Chapel.  The event started at 11am and we were amazed as many people came to support the day. A total of £1089.74p was raised .  Thanks Claire for all your hard work 

Our AGM was held on Zoom on the 14^th of November 2020 with 30 people joining including partners and volunteers from Nigeria.The plan this year is for two trustees to go to Nigeria and work with our partners at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife to hold big events in Nigeria to raise awareness about Asthma and allergies in April  but did not materialise because of the  travelling restrictions.

Our volunteers have been visiting the hospitals in Nigeria

Our Volunteer-Mrs Mary Aderonke Akinwumi delivering Ventolin Inhalers to Professor Ige and Team at the University College Hospital Ibadan

Our sincere thanks to our Patron -Dame Lorna Muirhead and her husband Dr Ronald Muirhead for their encouragements and financial support, Dr Chatwin for raising money for BEF,  Bridge Chapel Congregation, families, friends and above all the trustees for their hard work all year round. A big thanks to Euro Chemist for their continuous support and looking after the collection box; also  shops such as Dress Sense and New Image Hair Saloon (Kensington, Liverpool) which have been helping with our collection boxes. May God continue to bless you all. Above all we thank God Almighty for this work.

Dorcas Akeju, OBE

Chair

I hope you are keeping well and staying safe during this critical and difficult time. The time of uncertainty is affecting everyone voluntary organisations inclusive.
Breathe Easy Foundation will be suspending all activities until further notice. It also means our Trustees who are scheduled to go to Nigeria to celebrate the World Asthma Day with our partners and raising awareness of the dangers of uncontrolled Asthma will not be able to travel probably till after July.
If you have Asthma please take your inhalers as prescribed by your Doctors. If you have difficulty with your breathing please ring 111. We have to keep praying that there will soon be an end to the situation. Meanwhile please look after yourselves, keep well and stay safe.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs Dorcas O. Akeju, OBE
Chair

TRUSTEES

Mrs Dorcas Akeju, OBE-Chair, Mr Claudius Akeju-Secretary, Dr Joseph Garr-Treasurer, Mr Isaac Adewusi, Mr Koleola Akeju, Mrs Patricia Thomas, Mr Alfred Abbey, Patron ~ Dame Lorna Muirhead

Short Background: 

The Foundation has been involved in raising awareness of Asthma on the World Asthma Days (Every May 2^nd of the year). Annually it sends trustees to Nigeria to work with our partners in raising awareness and distributing inhalers, peak flows and nebulizers at two Teaching Hospitals, health centres , churches and to community groups. It hass produced leaflets in English and Yoruba which is one of the main languages in Nigeria

Bank Details: Barclays Bank, Allerton Rd Branch, Liverpool L18

BREATHE EASY FOUNDATION-ANNUAL REPORT

2018-2019

The Trustees have been very busy again this year trying to raise the awareness of Asthma and Allergies.  Asthma remains a killer in the United Kingdom as well as in Nigeria and the Foundation continues in campaigning about using the right inhalers and people with the problem to see their doctors regularly for checkups.

The trustees met quarterly to discuss activities of the organisation.

ACTIVITIES WITH PARTNERS IN NIGERIA:

We travelled to Nigeria on the 16th of January and started the charity work on the 21^st of January. We were invited to come and speak at a seminar to a group of Paediatricians responsible for children’s department of Asthma and Chest diseases. I explained about our organisation‘s vision and mission, and our support for the adult department since 2016.

On the 22^nd of January, we went to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife  (OAUTH) to meet our partners, team of Doctors and the patients. We used the opportunity to catch up on different type of inhalers available in Nigeria and difficulty in getting them. Two Nebulizers, Ventolin Inhalers and Peak flows were presented to them. We specifically advised that the nebulizers should be given to the Emergency Departments.

MET DOCTORS AND PATIENTS AT OUR VISIT TO OAUTH HOSPITAL

We also made some donation of Ventolin Inhalers to the  Asthma and Chest Care Foundation (ACCF) Centre which is an NGO and based within the vicinity of a church. Services are offered to patients with Asthma and other Chest condition at a very low price. 

On the 30^th of January, we travelled to University College Hospital  (UCH) Ibadan to join the Asthma Patients’ Club. The Asthma club at OAU consists of approximately 80 patients supporting one another. The patients were delighted to see us and started to pray for us. The Matron first gave health talk on the use of different inhalers and peak flows. She demonstrated the importance of using their preventive inhalers. She reiterated the issue

of keeping their ventolin inhalers where they can easily reach them in case of Asthmatic attacks. This is a unique club which meets monthly to support and encourage one another.  We then presented two Nebulizers to the Department plus many ventolin inhalers and peak flows. These were then given to the patients. We also distributed our information leaflet and promotional materials. (see photos)

CHAIR SHOWING NEBULIZER 

INHALERS, PEAKFLOWS AND NEBULISERS 

PHOTO TAKEN AT THE UCH –ASTHMA PATIENTS’ CLUB

We were informed about the use of Seretide and its cost, Hyvoler and the Department requested the organisation to get some for them. We did look into this before we came back but the batch the Chemist has got would expire March 2019 so we left money with our Volunteer to get some later for the World Asthma Day -2^nd of May 2019.

On the 1^st of February we went to the Academy Hospital and Maternity Centre to meet the Director and the staff and make donations of inhalers, unfortunately the Director had been called to an emergency. Academy Hospital is based within a shopping centre. Unfortunately we could not go back there but our volunteer did go there on the 15^th of March to make the donation (see photo)

STAFF AT THE ACADEMY HOSPITAL

She also made donation to a local church which runs its own Health and Well-Being Clinic with volunteer doctors (see photo)

PART OF THE CONGREGATION AT THE RESTORATION CHAPEL RECEIVING THE INHALERS DONATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLET.

We had letters of appreciation from UCH, OAUTH, Academy Hospital and Maternity

Although it was a very tiring three weeks but we do believe if the Foundation can save few lives through its work all our efforts will worth it. Our special thanks to our donors for making it possible to have inhalers, peak flows, nebulizers and other materials for the patients.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY-2019:

The World Asthma Day is celebrated throughout the World and an opportunity to raise awareness about asthma and allergies.  On the 2^nd of May 2019, the Foundation had the opportunity to speak to a group of Elders at the Alive Believer Centre about the signs and symptoms of Asthma and how it could be prevented. The correct use of inhaler was demonstrated by one of our Trustees who is also a sufferer. This led to a lengthy debate about having asthma attacks and how to prevent the attacks.

On Sunday the 5^th of May the Pastors of the Alive Believer Church invited the Foundation to come and also speak to their congregation as that Sunday happened to be the Sunday on which health issues were being discussed. This was another opportunity to raise awareness about asthma. The congregation was quite diverse and of different ages. A couple of the members are asthmatic and a mother told us that her little boy was on admission because of his asthma.

AT THE ALIVE BELIEVER CENTRE

Asthma and Allergy Awareness Raising at the St James’s Health Centre:

FUND RAISING AT ST JAMES’S HEALTH CENTRE:

In June Dr Chatwin who is GP to the Akeju’s family informed the Chair about his intention as he wants to join the Foundation in its campaign and also raise money for Foundation and set himself to swim in the Lake Windermere without a wetsuit. The Chair with the help of her daughter in law set up a “justgiving page” and sponsorship form was designed by the Manager of the Surgery. On the 27^th of August 2019 two trustees went to the Lake District to support him. We prayed for his safety as it was a very cold and raining day. He did the 10.5miles in 5 hours 30 mins and raised a total £1593.36P (Commission inclusive) more than his target of £1000. Thanks to everyone who supported morally and financially. Our special thanks to him, his wife, family (his uncle and auntie) who joined us at the Lake District and St James’ Health Centre Manager (Maria) staff and patients.

DR CHATWIN WITH MR AND MRS AKEJU

DR CHATWIN COMING OUT OF FREEZING WATER

WHAT A BRAVE MAN!!!!!

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018-2019:

In 2018-2019, our partnership with our partners has become very stronger and we have been able to reach more community groups and individuals; raising awareness about asthma and allergies. We have been able to raise more funding to further achieve the Foundation objectives. Our Chair attended a workshop in London for charities working in high risk areas internationally.

FUTURE PLANS:

The Trustees at their last meeting in February has started to plan for fund raising activities and our Fund Raising Trustee is taking the lead on the activities. The plan this year is for two trustees to go to Nigeria and work with our partners at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife to hold big events in Nigeria to raise awareness about Asthma and allergies. We are planning a “Walk for Asthma” at Ile -Ife involving local school children and the public. This will be followed by educational conference for Health and Allied professionals with experienced speakers from both Hospitals. Donation of nebulizers, peak flows and inhalers to patients who cannot afford to pay for their prescription.

Our sincere thanks to our Patron and her husband for their encouragements and financial support, to the trustees for their hard work all year round, Dr Chatwin for taking BEF as his charity, our family members, friends, and Bridge Chapel congregation especially the ladies’ Growth Group. A special thanks to Mrs. Thomas for her support and looking after the collection box at the Euro Chemist; also  shops such as Dress Sense and New Image Hair Saloon (Kensington, Liverpool) which have been helping with our collection boxes. May God continue to bless you all. Above all we thank God Almighty for this work.

Mrs Dorcas  O. Akeju, OBE

Chair

Late 2019, Mrs Claire Caswell started planning to an After Tea to raise money for Breathe Easy Foundation (BEF)  and awareness of Asthma and allergies. She was supported by her family and  a crew of people from the Church.  As the day drew nearer, invitations and flyers were sent out and was announced on the social media and at the Bridge Chapel –our local church. The volunteers started to bake different types of cake

The organiser and her family arrived at the Bridge Chapel Centre joined by the Founders of Breathe Easy Foundation. The Café Esta at the Centre was decorated; tables were covered with beautiful table clothes with small posy flowers on top. Cakes were placed on cake stands on the tables; coffee and tea with juices were ready. The BEF banner was also in display with different types of Inhalers to show to people

 The door was opened to the public at 11am and by 12noon the Café Esta was packed full. Claire welcomed everyone and informed them why the event was being held and encouraged them to donate at the entrance. She also informed them that there was plenty of cake to eat. Some people asked about Trustee of BEF about its work and those with Asthma shared their experience about the condition.

It was a good event and total of £1087 was raised. Thanks to Claire and all her supporters for a successful fund raising. The money will be used to buy Nebulizers for individuals with Chronic Asthma who may need it and cannot afford to buy it.

Mrs Claire Carswell presenting the cheque to the Founders (Mr and Mrs Akeju) of BEF

The Staff of our local Chemist-Euro Chemist has been involved in raising awareness of different illnesses such as Mental Health, Kidney disease etc. The staff of the Chemist informed the Breathe Easy Foundation Trustees in November that they would like to raise awareness about Asthma amongst their clients as they have a number of patients using inhalers and also used the opportunity to raise fund. There were raffle prizes donated by individuals and the staff did their best to sell a lot of raffle tickets. It was also planned for Dr Chatwin who is the local GP at St James’ Health Centre to come and speak at the event.

On the day, the Chemist was decorated in green and purple colours which are the Foundation’s colours and it started at 9.30am. There were biscuits, cakes, coffee, tea and juices. The Chair of the Foundation spoke about why the Charity was set up and that it works both in England and Nigeria where the Founders’ daughter died of Asthma in 2009. Dr Chatwin spoke about the importance of patients using their relievers everyday as prescribed and the ventolin when they have Asthma attacks.

The Staff (Trish, Derryn, Marie and Kirstie) were brilliant. They made sure we all got drinks and at the same time serving clients as they came into the Chemist. A total sum of £710 was raised. Profound thanks to all staff and patients who came to support the day from all the BEF Trustees.

The Physicians in her local church-Restoration Chapel are also involved in our campaign. She spoke about our project and donated inhalers and information leaflets to the church. She then visited Academy Hospital and Maternity home which is a Community based Hospital. She met the Medical Director and made donations of Inhalers, information leaflets in Yoruba/English languages, Note books and pens.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2019

On the 4^thof May in the morning, she joined the Asthma club members of the University College Hospital, physicians and Chest Clinic staff for Asthma Walk around some areas at the Ibadan city, speaking to the public within the areas about the dangers of Asthma and allergies and how to get help and avoid triggers.

On the same day she travelled about 50 kilometres to join the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital and the Asthma and Chest Care Foundation for their World Asthma Day activities which was  a training day for the professionals on treatment of Asthma.

Her comments after all her activities were “she is doing all she can to the glory of God and to help save lives from Asthma”.

In Pictures:

Our volunteer at the Academy Hospital and Maternity Home –February 2019. She met the Medical Director and her staff. She donated inhalers information leaflets and pens to the Hospital.

World Asthma day-2019 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) was celebrated in form of training for professionals and the patients. Our volunteer Ronke and her son Samuel joined Professor Erhabor on that day and inhalers, information leaflets, Note books and pens were donated to the Asthma and Chest Care Foundation (ACCF) and OAUTH

WALK FOR ASTHMA-WORLD ASTHMA DAY (2)-May 2019 – University Teaching Hospital Ibadan-Our volunteer Mrs Aderonke Akinwumi joined UCH for the campaign (in the middle by the BEF Banner)

World Asthma day 2019 –WALK FOR ASTHMA – University Teaching Hospital Ibadan Nigeria

WORLD ASTHMA DAY CAMPAIGN 2019 – Two trustees at the Alive Believers Church Liverpool. The chair was speaking to the lady about the importance of using the right inhalers and avoiding triggers.