FOR the first six years of his life Oliver Keyzor had to put up with a relentless cough, constant chest infections and a runny nose.

It wasn't until the little boy visited the Asthma and Allergy Clinic in Southampton that he was referred to a specialist and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Now Oliver, 6, and his mum, Fiona, are joining the Daily Echo Fight for Breath campaign to save the clinics, which are held throughout the area but are threatened with closure in the New Year because of a £30,000 shortfall.

Run by specialist nurse and asthmatic Chellan Eames, the clinics have been funded for the past two years by the world-renowned Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation Research (Aair) charity based at Southampton General Hospital.

But with the cost of research increasing all the time, there is not enough money to continue running the facility.

Mrs Keyzor, from Durley Street in Durley, said Oliver had suffered from a troublesome cough almost since birth and was plagued with chest infections and tiredness.

The family were told he was probably asthmatic, but that he was too young to be officially diagnosed.

Eventually, Oliver was referred to an asthma nurse, who recommended he went to see Chellan at the Asthma and Allergy Clinic.

Mrs Keyzor said: "Chellan wasn't sure that it was asthma, but she said she felt after seeing Oliver and looking at him that he needed referring.

"She wrote a fairly strongly-worded letter to our GP that Oliver should be referred to a paediatrician.

"He was sent for a series of chest X-rays and then we found out it wasn't asthma, it was

cystic fibrosis.

"Oliver is now the healthiest that he has ever been because he's getting the right treatment.

"We're eternally grateful because it would have taken longer for him to be referred if Chellan hadn't helped.

"It would be a great shame if Chellan's clinic were to close down because there are a lot of other children out there that have got asthma and other allergies and need help."

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

l If you can help raise funds for Aair, or would like to make a donation to help save the clinic, 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.