Asthma UK Scotland In Tune With New Scottish Star

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 11 Jul 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Asthma UK Scotland is teaming up with new Scottish singing star Kevin J Maclean to help promote awareness of the condition among his expanding fan base.

20-year-old Maclean, from Dunfermilne, has just signed with Plaque Records and released his first single, 'For You'. He is currently touring some of the country's top music venues, such as the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh and King Tuts in Glasgow, and next year hopes to play Scotland's largest music festival T in the Park.

When he was seven, a severe asthma attack left him in hospital for four weeks but this didn't stop him pursuing his singing dream - and this is the message he wants to get across to others with the condition

'When I was in hospital, I was wired up to all the equipment. I was put on a ventilator and a nebuliser. For a while it was touch and go.

'But when I started singing lessons at 15, it got a lot better. I went to Stageworx School of Performing Arts in Stirling and my vocal coach David Greer taught me a lot of breathing exercises that really did help a lot with my singing.'

This, and the fact he has to take three different types of inhalers daily, means he is a perfect role model, according to Shona Haslam, Asthma UK Scotland's National Director.

'Our message is always that for the vast majority of people with the condition, asthma shouldn't be a barrier to them living a full and active life but having someone like Kevin on board means we can say "and here is a great example of that".

Maclean added: 'I am very excited to be working with Asthma UK Scotland and hope I can not only raise awareness of the condition but inspire anyone with asthma to achieve their potential.'

Notes

- High-quality pictures of Kevin J Maclean are available on request.

- Asthma UK Scotland is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 400,000 people in Scotland whose lives are affected by asthma.

- For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website http://www.asthma.org.uk.

- For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at http://www.asthma.org.uk/adviceline.

Asthma UK