Parents of Northern Ireland teenager who died in asthma attack behind a new education programme to save others with condition

Tragically Simon and Barbara Williamson's daughter Rachel died at home in Portavogie, Co Down, in 2017.

But after her death the parents channelled their grief into an online teaching resource - the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

"We felt we needed to do something in Rachel's memory and if we can save a life we've done, and Rachel has done, something to help that," they told the BBC.

In 2023, 47 adults in Northern Ireland died from asthma, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).

And as many as one in 10 people in Northern Ireland have asthma, including 36,000 children.

The programme, which was piloted in 2019, was launched at Glastry College in Ballyhalbert, where Rachel attended school. It provides detailed information about how to manage asthma properly, and what to do in the event of an asthma attack.

Many asthma deaths can be prevented through correct use of inhalers and regular check-ups.

Because it is so common, some people are not aware of how serious it can be, Rachel's mother Barbara said.

"People can be very complacent and, unfortunately, we were too," she said.

"Rachel was the most caring, thoughtful girl, she always put her friends first and her family first, she was just that kind of girl. We miss her so much."