Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.4 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma.

Karen was diagnosed with asthma aged seven, which was when her doctor told her that swimming would help her asthma by strengthening her lungs. Despite exercise being one of her asthma triggers, she persevered and always kept an inhaler at the end of her lane while she trained and in her tracksuit pocket as she went up for her races. She went on to compete in four consecutive Summer Olympics and won Commonwealth and World Championship gold medals and since retiring from International competition she has set up her own learn to swim schools called Karen Pickering SWIM. 'If I hadn't swum and taken part in sports, my life would have been completely different. I've benefited greatly from swimming and although my asthma made it difficult at times I never let it hold me back from achieving my goals."

SportsAid is the charity for sports people. We help the next generation of British sporting talent to succeed. Since 1976, when the charity was first established, SportsAid has given financial support and recognition to talented young sportsmen and women when they need it the most – at the start of their journey to international success. We are the first organisation to recognise their talent, often when their parents are their only sponsors.

By raising money in the name of sport, for the benefit of sport, we ensure Britian’s young sports stars have the backing they need to reach the same heights. SportsAid has distributed more than £30 million to athletes throughout Britain and gives around 2,000 awards every year.