Warren Dowling was just 10 years old when he died suddenly after suffering an asthma attack at his home in Portsmouth in March 2023.  

Now Warren’s mum, Belinda, sister, Scarlett (16), and schoolteacher, Sarah Overy, are raising money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance by jumping 12,000ft from a plane on 16 March 2025, the day before the second anniversary of Warren’s death, alongside Nikki Harris from our Aftercare team. 

“Life can change in a moment”

Warren asked for his inhaler when he became breathless after playing on the trampoline outside with his brother. He quickly turned blue and stopped breathing. His dad, Ian, performed CPR until ambulance crews arrived, quickly followed by our specialist team.  

Sadly, Warren was not able to be saved. 

Warren would have a “really bad asthma attack once or twice a year”

Belinda said, “Warren’s inhaler didn’t seem to be working, and he started to panic. Then while I was on the phone for an ambulance, he turned blue and stopped breathing. 

“Despite the air ambulance team attending and doing their best to help Warren, he didn’t make it.”   

Patient and family support

Belinda, Ian, and Warren’s six siblings have been in constant contact with our Aftercare team, who have been supporting the family through their traumatic period of grief. 

Belinda added: “The care from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance didn’t stop on that day. We have been supported by Nikki Harris from the Aftercare team, who visited us at home and made phone calls to check in with us.  

“She has been a great support, even arranging a base visit to meet the crew who attended to help our gorgeous son. It was hard but also lovely to meet the people that did their very best. They talked through what they had done that evening and reassured Ian that him performing CPR gave Warren a better chance for when they eventually took over.” 

The Dowling family visited our Airbase in Thruxton to meet with the crew and Aftercare Manager, Nikki Harris

Nikki added, “It has been a genuine privilege to get to know the Dowling family and offer my support along their grief journey. They are an extraordinary family that faced profound sadness at the heartbreaking loss of Warren. The depth of love they all share for him is incredibly moving and shines through. I hold deep admiration for the courage and resilience they continue to show. 

“I’m deeply touched to join Belinda, Scarlett and Sarah in this meaningful act to commemorate Warren’s life and to raise funds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. I can only imagine Warren’s immense pride as he watches over them, guiding their journey.” 

Visit the family’s JustGiving page for more information.