Game Changer: How a London-based PE Teacher Wants Every Student with Asthma to be Seen

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In the latest episode of the Up, Up and Away podcast hosts Dom and Saira caught up with Hamdoun, a 19-year-old assistant PE teacher from South London and new ambassador for Tiny Medical Apps' Digital Health Passport. 

Hamdoun is currently working in a primary school near Wembley Stadium, is passionate about supporting young people, especially those with asthma and long-term conditions. 

Background & Role

• Initially wanted to be a footballer; discovered a love for sports coaching during sixth form.
• Works with children aged 4–11 and engages with every student throughout the week.
• Sees physical activity as essential for health and personal development.

Asthma & Young People

• Many pupils in his school live with asthma, but older children often shy away from discussing it.
• Some feel ashamed or fear being mocked, leading to reluctance in using inhalers or disclosing their condition.
• Emphasises normalising asthma through open conversations and preparedness.

Practical Action & Support

• Proactively checks asthma status before school trips and matches.
• Shares a powerful story about noticing a child struggling during a football match due to asthma—his support and quick action made a real difference.
• Discovered an expired inhaler and followed up directly with the parent to stress the importance of medication checks.

Digital Health Passport

• Excited to become a Digital Health Passport ambassador to further support young people.
• Believes in empowering children to speak up and take ownership of their condition.
• Sees technology as a valuable tool to remind parents and pupils about medication and expiry dates.

Advice to Young People

• Don’t be ashamed—you're not alone.
• Share symptoms and personal preferences with trusted adults like PE teachers.
• Participation in sport can boost both physical and mental health—even for those with asthma.

Suggestions for Schools

• More frequent reminders to parents about checking medication expiry dates.
• Foster environments where students feel safe discussing their health.

Hamdoun brings empathy, leadership, and lived experience to his role. He’s a role model helping children play hard and breathe easy, showing that supporting young people with asthma isn’t about over complication—it’s about caring, preparing, and listening.