Rangers Legends Back Glasgow Mum’s Asthma Campaign; Lauren Reid 2026

Key Points

• Lauren Reid, a 19-year-old chef from Glasgow, died from a severe asthma attack at work in February 2020.
• Her mother, Elaine Cunningham, launched Lauren’s Law Asthma Campaign to mandate emergency salbutamol inhalers in workplace first aid kits.
• Elaine has campaigned relentlessly since her daughter’s death to prevent similar tragedies.
• Rangers legends, including former players like Scott Arfield and Gordon Smith, have supported the campaign.
• Lauren was a devoted Rangers fan, known as “Rangers-mad”.
• The campaign seeks legislation for reliever inhalers in high-risk environments like commercial kitchens.
• Elaine has written a children’s book on asthma in memory of Lauren.
• Supporters urge UK and Scottish Governments to act on preventable asthma deaths.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 9, 2026 –Rangers legends have rallied behind Elaine Cunningham, a Glasgow mother whose 19-year-old daughter Lauren Reid tragically died from a severe asthma attack at work in February 2020. Cunningham has spearheaded the Lauren’s Law Asthma Campaign, calling for emergency salbutamol inhalers to be standard in workplace first aid kits. The backing from iconic Rangers figures underscores the campaign’s growing momentum amid ongoing efforts to address preventable asthma fatalities.

Who Was Lauren Reid and What Happened on That Fateful Day?

Lauren Reid, a 19-year-old chef from Glasgow’s Dennistoun area, suffered a fatal asthma attack while working in February 2020.

As reported in coverage by Glasgow Live, Lauren forgot her inhaler that day, leading to the severe episode. Her last words, shared heartbreakingly by family, highlighted her sudden distress at work.

Elaine Cunningham recounted the incident in statements to Asthma + Lung UK, stating,

“I don’t want Lauren’s death to be in vain.”

Lauren, described as a daughter, best friend, and passionate Rangers supporter, passed away shortly after life support was withdrawn. This event at her workplace in Glasgow propelled her mother into action.

What Is Lauren’s Law Asthma Campaign?

The campaign, led by Elaine Cunningham, pushes for “Lauren’s Law,” a proposed piece of legislation requiring workplaces to stock reliever inhalers like salbutamol in first aid kits.

As detailed by Hello Rayo reporter in a 2025 article, Elaine is working to make this mandatory, particularly in high-risk settings such as commercial kitchens where Lauren worked.

In a Mirror report, Cunningham has specifically advocated for salbutamol inhalers in these environments to equip colleagues to respond during attacks. The initiative aligns with broader calls from Asthma and Allergy Foundation supporters, where Elaine noted,

“I don’t want any other parent to feel the way I do, the Government should do more.”

Lauren’s Law Asthma Campaign’s Facebook page emphasises its goal for emergency use without prescription in high-risk areas.

Why Have Rangers Legends Stepped In to Support?

Rangers legends have publicly endorsed Elaine Cunningham’s efforts, drawn by Lauren’s devotion to the club. Coverage on the Lauren’s Law Facebook page highlights support from figures like Scott Arfield and Gordon Smith, both former Rangers players.

Elaine Cunningham shared on Facebook that the campaign received backing from these individuals, amplifying its reach.

Lauren was known as “Rangers-mad,” a detail emphasised in Glasgow Live reporting, which likely resonated with the club’s former stars. This support comes amid tributes from football fans, including Rangers and Celtic supporters, as noted in community posts.

The involvement adds visibility, with the campaign marking milestones like the sixth anniversary of Lauren’s passing on 11 February 2026.

How Has Elaine Cunningham Continued Her Advocacy?

Since February 2020, Elaine has campaigned tirelessly, including authoring a children’s book on asthma in Lauren’s memory, as reported by Hello Rayo on 4 May 2025. The book aims to educate young readers, tying into World Asthma Day efforts shared on 2 May 2026 via Facebook.

Cunningham has engaged with organisations like Asthma + Lung UK and Asthma and Allergy Foundation, sharing Lauren’s story to highlight workplace risks. In a Facebook post, she detailed overseas trips like Lanzarote where Lauren’s condition was managed well, contrasting the workplace incident.

Her persistence includes petitions and awareness drives, with recent posts noting historical support from Unichef.

What Challenges Do Asthma Sufferers Face in Workplaces?

Asthma attacks at work remain a concern, with supporters surveyed by Asthma + Lung UK recommending action plans, reliever inhalers on site, and colleague awareness. Elaine’s campaign addresses gaps, as Lauren’s case illustrates the peril of forgetting personal inhalers.

Reports from Asthma and Allergy Foundation stress government action on preventable deaths, with over a thousand annually in the UK.

Workplace strategies include trigger disclosure and first aider training, yet legislation like Lauren’s Law is absent. Cunningham’s push targets commercial kitchens, where exposures can exacerbate symptoms.

Has the Campaign Gained Broader Traction?

The Lauren’s Law Facebook page, with over 2,700 likes, actively shares updates, including ties to World Asthma Day on 5 May 2026. Football tributes, such as proposed minutes’ applause by Rangers and Celtic fans, show community involvement.

Instagram accounts like @laurenslaw21 reinforce the petition for salbutamol access. Elaine’s personal page documents the journey post-loss. Advocacy extends to policy calls, with Asthma + Lung UK urging surveillance and interventions for work-related asthma.

Background of the Development

Lauren Reid’s death in February 2020 occurred amid rising awareness of asthma management in the UK, where thousands of preventable deaths happen yearly. Prior to the incident, Elaine noted Lauren managed her condition well, including during travel, but workplace lack of emergency inhalers proved fatal.

The campaign emerged immediately after, gaining traction through social media and partnerships, evolving into legislative pushes by 2025 with book publications and celebrity endorsements. Rangers support reflects Glasgow’s football culture, where Lauren’s fandom bridged personal tragedy to public cause.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect Workplace Employees and Families

This development, through Rangers legends’ backing, could increase visibility for Lauren’s Law, prompting more workplaces to voluntarily stock salbutamol inhalers ahead of legislation. Employees with asthma in high-risk roles like kitchens may gain quicker access to relievers during attacks, potentially reducing emergency hospitalisations.

Families of asthma sufferers might experience fewer tragedies if mandates follow, as Elaine seeks to spare others her loss. Broader awareness from football ties could encourage self-management plans and training among colleagues. However, outcomes depend on government response to ongoing petitions.