A MOTHER whose daughter died of an asthma attack today gave her backing to a new scheme that could save lives.

Asthma UK today launched the Asthma Attack Card, a pocket book which summarises the dos and don'ts of assisting a sufferer.

Vicky Edwards, who lived in Leeds, collapsed and died just hours before her 21st birthday in March.

Her mother Beryl, of Ribble Avenue, Darwen, said: "The card is a really good idea. If a person has never seen an asthmatic having an attack they don't know what to do but this could help. But I think it would be better to have some kind of necklace or bracelet too to alert members of the public that people are asthmatic as they might not automatically go through their pockets to find a card.

"Vicky's brothers both have asthma and I would definitely advise them to carry one."

The card, which also has space for the sufferer's name and next of kin contact details, has been launched to coincide with today's World Asthma Day.

The card includes simple advice such as: don't hug me or lie me down - this will restrict my breathing; keep calm - do not panic; loosen tight clothing; reassure me. There are 5.1 million people with asthma in the UK, with 2.6 million suffering severe symptoms that seriously affect their lives.

The charity has also published a report - Living on a Knife Edge - which reveals more than half a million sufferers fear their next attack could kill them.

Beryl, 57, said: "People don't realise how many asthmatics there are or how serious it is.

"Anything that helps is great but the best advice if someone is having an attack is to call 999 as it could save their life."

Donations, in memory of Vicky and other asthma sufferers, can be made to Asthma UK at www.asthma.org.uk or by calling 0207 2262260.