Taking part in Pump Up Your Lungs changed my life
Our supporter, Clarrie, took part in our annual cycling event, Pump Up Your Lungs. Taking place in July, participants can choose to cycle either 100 or 300 miles throughout the month, wherever they like, and whenever they like. It’s a great way to improve your fitness while also raising money for lung health. Here she tells why she took part in the challenge and how much of a difference it’s made to her wellbeing.
Taking part in Pump Up Your Lungs has by no means been easy, as I've not ridden a bike in years, but it’s been an incredible experience.
I have Severe Refractory Eosinophilic Asthma, which means my white blood cells are constantly inflaming my airways. Up until three months ago I struggled to even get up the stairs without wheezing.
Getting the right treatment has changed my life
Now, thanks to a drug called Nucala I can leap on my bike and ride. I couldn't even get my bike out without struggling, now I'm excited to go for a whizz about. Research, such as the kind Asthma+ Lung UK fund, has helped develop this life-changing drug which means I can now breathe. Read that again: I can breathe. Now I want to give something back.
My husband Mark only has one lung - he lost the other to cancer a decade ago. We've always joked we are the "Limpy Lung Club", and we don't have a decent pair of lungs between us. We do now!
Improving my fitness and making friends
Taking part in the this challenge has improved my general fitness and has been great for my mental wellbeing too. I'm going to cycle to my next hospital appointment to get my next dose of Nucala! Can you imagine! It is literally life-changing. I've enjoyed it tremendously - I live in a green place, with lots of cycle routes so it's been fab.
I've joined my local cycling club, and in March I am going to cycle from Spurn Point to Grimsby, and raise more funds for Asthma + Lung UK. 57 miles on my 57th Birthday.
Taking part was amazing!
Taking part in an event for Asthma + Lung UK can make SUCH a difference for people like me. Your support could change someone's life. If you can't support financially, then cheer someone along: hearing someone shout "GO, CLARRIE, GO" and reading everyone’s messages of support certainly spurred me on!
Break it down into little chunks, and chip away at it, bit by bit. I found it useful to write down each day how far I'd gone, both literally and figuratively. You'll be amazed at what you, and your lungs, can achieve! Go for it!
Feeling inspired to pump up your lungs? Sign up to join us this year! Improve your fitness and your wellbeing while fighting for everyone’s right to breathe. The money you raise could change lives.
We empower people with lung conditions to make changes that can be transformative.
Please donate now to help make sure people with lung conditions can live well this year.
Other Your Stories posts you may like:
Other posts you may like
