A CHARITY is urging Keighley people to press General Election candidates in the constituency for their support to end prescription charges for asthma sufferers.

Asthma UK says research has shown that three quarters of people with the condition are unable to afford their medication – and others are cutting back because of the cost.

The charity fears that as temperatures plummet this winter, more than two million people across the country could be at risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.

Dr Andy Whittamore, for Asthma UK, said: “Some people are having to make an impossible choice this winter – pay for bills, such as heating their homes to stay warm, or pay for their asthma medication. We think this is unacceptable. No one should have to pay to breathe.

“We’ve been campaigning to end unfair asthma prescription charges, which for some people could add up to more than £100 per year.

“In our opinion medication for people with asthma should be free as it is for other conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy and as it is for people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Asthma is serious – three people die from an attack every day. As a GP, it is very distressing to see patients with asthma putting their lives at risk.”

For more details and to sign a letter, visit asthma.org.uk/candidates.