Asthma Australia launches its inaugural Asthma Huff and Puff fundraiser from 1 to 10 September and is encouraging locals to get involved.

Locals are being called on to sign up for some type of physical activity, whether it’s a run, swim or walk, to help raise funds for people with asthma.

The event aims to encourage people to get breathless for just a short period so they can understand how a person with asthma might feel. For people with the condition, the simple act of breathing isn’t always easy to do.

The Asthma Huff and Puff, which coincides with the launch of Asthma Week on 1 September, has already attracted support from groups like The Wheezy Walkers, Lung Avengers and Breathingforbayleigh.

Money raised will help people with asthma, their carers and families get the support and advocacy they need.

This includes:

Support for research and better treatments, including finding a CURE for asthma;

Running the 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) information line that connects people with asthma directly to a trained Asthma Educator;

Keeping AirSmart, the ultimate app for air quality, up and running.

“Asthma is a serious health condition that affects nearly 2.8 million Australians, with children being the most impacted," Asthma Australia’s Director of Customer and Marketing Kathy Packenas said.

“Sadly, asthma is responsible for at least one Australian death every day and around 100 hospitalisations daily.

"The majority of these hospitalisations are avoidable.

“We are asking people to get behind the Asthma Huff & Puff to show their support for people with asthma, first by getting breathless and experiencing what it feels like for someone with the condition and to also help raise money and awareness so that things can start to change for people with asthma. ”

People can sign up to participate in the Asthma Huff and Puff individually or as part of a team by visiting asthma.org.au.