The Asthma of Society of Ireland have launched their 10 Million Steps for Asthma virtual fundraiser as part of Asthma Awareness Week, which takes place from Friday 1st May to Friday 8th May.
Over 380,000 people in Ireland currently have asthma and 890,000 will have it at some point in their lifetime. The current pandemic is a time of particular worry for people with asthma and their families. While people with asthma are not more likely to contract coronavirus, they may experience more severe symptoms if they do. Managing your asthma well is more important than ever.
Unfortunately, this year’s Walk for Asthma event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Asthma Society had big plans to make it their main fundraising event but, in its place, they have created the 10 Million Steps for Asthma virtual fundraiser.
The campaign crew has drafted in the help of well-known sports persons, celebrities and influencers like: Tomás O’Sé (former Kerry footballer and 5 time All-Star), Gráinne McElwain (sports presenter), Tommy Bowe (former Irish rugby player), Sean Cronin (Irish rugby player), Michelle Quinty (Kilkenny Camogie Captain), Brent Pope (rugby analyst), Tony Ward (former Irish rugby player), Katie Power (All Star Kilkenny Camogie Player), Ollie Campbell (former Irish rugby player), Mick Quinn (former Irish rugby player), Scott Minto (former English football player), Emma Clifford (social media influencer), Niamh Webb O Rourke (social media Influencer) along with Davina Devine (Podcaster/Drag Queen).
All these people are stepping up for asthma and appealing to the people of Ireland to walk/run/dance 10,000 steps every day during Asthma Awareness Week to help achieve 10 million steps collectively. Participants are asked to log their steps and donate on www.asthma.ie/10-million-steps-for-asthma or to donate on FB/Instagram/Twitter/IDonate and to nominate friends to get involved too. Don’t forget to tag @asthmasocietyofireland in your posts and use the hashtag #StepUpForAsthma.
Speaking of the importance of this year’s campaign Deirdre Lennon, Fundraising Manager at the Asthma Society of Ireland, said: “Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, it is vital that people with asthma are in control of their condition. We will be using Asthma Awareness Week to encourage people to ensure their asthma is well-managed and provide them with the resources to do so.
We are asking all our supporters to walk 10,000 steps every day during Asthma Awareness Week and help us achieve 10 million steps and to log these on the dedicated 10 Million Steps for Asthma webpage on www.asthma.ie. You can run / walk/ dance your steps but please do get involved! We are also asking people to donate €10, or more if they can, and to share with their friends on social media.
We’re running a fun competition for people participating in the 10 Million Steps for Asthma fundraiser – a €50 AllforOne voucher each for the silliest walk by either an individual or household, for the cutest pet walk, and for the most steps walked across the week.
If any person, for health or other reasons, can’t walk/step/dance 10k steps a day, they can still log whatever steps they can manage and donate to support our work. We look forward to seeing how many steps Ireland can reach in a week!”
The Asthma Society’s 10 Million Steps for Asthma fundraiser commences today. Participants are asked to please stay within their 2km, practice good social distancing and most importantly – to stay safe.
For more information about the campaign, people can go to www.asthma.ie/10-million-steps-for-asthma.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. This is doubly true for people with asthma. Exercise can even help improve lung capacity and reduce asthma symptoms. Any person with asthma seeking advice on how to exercise safely with asthma can download the Asthma Society’s Reach Your Peak booklet here: https://bit.ly/3aVz2SC
