Jordan Smitheman: Family campaign for free inhalers after son's death

Jordan Smitheman died following an asthma attack in December

A mother whose son died after an asthma attack is campaigning to make inhalers free of charge.

Jordan Smitheman died on the way to hospital in December after complaining of a tight chest.

The family, from Derbyshire, have started a petition urging the government to make the change.

Jordan's mother Donna told the BBC: "If someone needs that medication to be able to breathe then money shouldn't be a barrier."

In December, Jordan collapsed and died following the asthma attack.

Jordan's mother Donna said if people needed medication to be able to breathe then money should not be a barrier

He had struggled with his breathing since he was young and had been admitted to hospital a number of times - including spending time in intensive care.

Mrs Smitheman said Jordan, 25, from Chesterfield, rang her and his father Steven with a tight chest and urged them to take him to hospital.

"That night was the worst night of our lives... when we were driving along the road he made three awful noises and then collapsed on my husband," she said.

"We pulled him out and started doing CPR on him... we would never ever think this would be the outcome."

According to NHS England, asthma attacks kill three people every day across the UK.

The family have started a petition, calling on the government to make asthma medication free in England.

NHS England said asthma attacks killed three people every day across the UK

"We were not in a position where we could not afford the inhalers - neither was Jordan - but not everyone is in that same position," Mrs Smitheman said.

"If someone needs that medication to be able to breathe, then money shouldn't be a barrier.

"If this just helps one family, to stop them going through what we are going through."

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said about 89% of prescription items were free on the NHS in England.

They added that those with specified long-term conditions could apply for a range of prescription charge exemptions.