A HAMPSHIRE woman who suffers from severe asthma has vowed to do something to save the clinics which offer her a lifeline.

Angie Higgins is backing the Daily Echo Fight for Breath campaign to raise £30,000 for the Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Research (Aair) charity's Asthma and Allergy Clinics in Southampton.

The facility, run by specialist nurse and fellow asthmatic Chellan Eames, is facing closure in the new year because of a lack of funding.

Mrs Higgins, of Carnation Road in Bassett was diagnosed with asthma 11 years ago. She takes ten to 12 tablets a day and uses a nebuliser and three inhalers.

The 51-year-old visits the clinics on a regular basis and said she would be lost without the specialist help.

She said: "Without them I just don't know what I would do. Chellan's been so good and I've learnt such a lot through her.

"She's been a great help and it would change my life if the clinics were to close. If I get in a state I can phone them up. They've been a lifeline to me."

Mrs Higgins has raised funds for Aair in the past. She took part in a fire-walk in 2000, when she helped to raise £300, and donated two Scooby Doo toys to the charity, which sold for £250.

She said: "Once Christmas is out of the way I will try and do something. I have to do something, I've just got to. I don't know what I'd do without them."

Has your life been turned around by Chellan Eames and the Asthma and Allergy team? Are you holding any events to raise money for Aair? If so call Emma Barnett on 023 8042 4505.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

If you can help Aair, or would like to make a donation to help save the clinics, call 023 8077 1234, or write to The Aair Charity, Medical Specialities, Level D, Centre Block, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, making sure you mark your donation for the Asthma and Allergy Clinics.