Rebecca’s Story – why I took on the Hula Hoop challenge

Our supporter, Rebecca took part in our Hula Hoop Challenge this year. She hula hooped for 15 minutes every day for 30 days in May. She raised over £200 to support our vital work fighting for lung health. Here she tells us how the memory of dad, Nick inspired her to take on the challenge, and how it helped improve her fitness.

Rebecca, Asthma + Lung UK supporter
Published 30th June 2023

Back in 2014, my dad, Nick sadly passed away after having COPD. This year, I wanted to help my fitness and I saw the Asthma and Lung UK Hula Hoop Challenge.

I thought why not go for it? I signed up as I thought it was an achievable target to maintain every day.  

Giving something back

I decided to support Asthma and Lung UK because as a teenager, I would support my dad at the hospital and at home. I’d go and visit him and have so much fun with him. As a teenager, I would have never have thought that a lung disease would have affected my life as much as it has. Sadly, you only think of other diseases but never a lung disease. This is why I chose Asthma and Lung UK. I thought about giving something back to all of the people who supported him and anybody else who would need future support.  

Purple Asthma + Lung UK t-shirt, a hula hoop with a weighted ball, and a May 2023 Hula Hoop Challenge tracker laid out on a wooden floor

Getting fit and having fun

I loved doing the Hula Hoop challenge. Every day, I’d get in from work and get my hoop out. My husband got involved and went on our rowing machine to match the time I was hula hooping. I felt proud every day that I was completing it because, being honest, in the past I would begin but never complete but this time, I really wanted to achieve the end. I even took the hoop on holiday, and it was great fun.  

Making my dad proud

I’d like to say thank you to everybody who supported me during this challenge and thank you for all the donations in memory of my dad! He would have absolutely loved this and I can imagine him saying “I’ll have a go of that”. He would have laughed and been proud of the funny moments, such as nearly smashing the TV!

If you’re thinking of doing something for Asthma + Lung UK, I would definitely say go for it. Feeling proud and supporting a good cause is great. Just giving a little back is a great feeling! 

Fancy taking on your own challenge for Asthma + Lung UK? There are lots of ways you can support us. From taking part in one of our events or holding one of your own. Check out our website for some ideas and to find out more.

 

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