NAC CARES Virtual Challenge - 803 miles (1292.41 km) down
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"]
It's been a couple of weeks since our last update, and we're excited to share our progress on our team's virtual Lands End to John O'Groats challenge. As most of you may know, we embarked on this journey to walk, cycle, and run the length of the UK to raise money for the Fungal Infection Trust. Despite the Easter holidays, we haven't stopped and are mostly being fueled by Easter eggs right now!
We have now covered a total of 1292.41km (802.6 miles), which is 74% of the distance, in only 67% of the planned time of 100 days. This puts us well ahead of schedule, with just 451.79km (280.6 miles) remaining in our challenge.
Currently, we are in Scotland and approaching the iconic Forth Bridge. Along the way, we have passed several historic landmarks, including:
Hadrian's Wall: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Roman fortification stretches for 73 miles (117 km) across the North of England from the west coast of Cumbria near the Solway Firth to the east coast near the River Tyne in Tyne and Wear. Constructed in AD 122 under Emperor Hadrian's rule, the wall was designed to separate Roman Britain from the barbarian north and served as a military defence line.
Edinburgh Castle: Perched on an extinct volcano, this historic fortress dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital city. With its origins dating back to the 12th century, the castle has been a royal residence, a military garrison, and a prison over the years. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone or the Coronation Stone, which is a historic and symbolic block of red sandstone, measuring approximately 26 inches (66 cm) in length, 16 inches (40 cm) in width, and 11 inches (28 cm) in depth.
Our accelerated pace is down to our team's hard work and dedication. We are making excellent progress in our challenge, but we still have a significant distance to cover to reach John O'Groats and our fundraising goal. We are grateful for your support and are confident that, together, we will make a difference in the fight against fungal infections.
Thank you for following us on this journey; we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon. You can donate via the link below.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery _builder_version="4.20.4" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" gallery_ids="9960,9959,9958" show_title_and_caption="off" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
2023 Bronchiectasis Patient Conference
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"]
The 2023 Bronchiectasis Patient Conference, organised by the European Lung Foundation, is a popular event for patients each year. This year we asked two of our patients who attended to share their personal experiences and thoughts on the conference, highlighting its importance and impact.
Our patients reported that the conference attracted 1,750 registrations from 90 countries, and during an online questionnaire, 47% of participants identified as living with bronchiectasis. Dr Fiona Mosgrove's presentation on "Living with Bronchiectasis" provided valuable insights on lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health, recommending two books for further reading.
Prof. James Chalmers discussed a potential new treatment involving an anti-pseudomonas monoclonal antibody, demonstrated through engaging video clips. The conference also covered other topics such as Phage therapy, bronchiectasis through different life stages, and the importance of end-of-life care discussions.
Both patients found the conference to be an informative and valuable experience, despite facing some technical difficulties and unclear presentations due to those difficulties. They appreciated Dr Chalmers' well-paced talk on new treatments, as well as Dr Mosgrove's discussion on mental health and airway clearance techniques. One patient noted that while coexisting diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma were mentioned, there was no reference to Aspergillosis. The conference emphasised the importance of daily airway clearance, exercise, relaxation, and ongoing research for more effective treatments.
In summary, both patients found the 2023 Bronchiectasis Patient Conference to be an enriching experience, providing valuable insights and practical takeaways for managing the condition. Despite some technical issues, the conference succeeded in raising awareness and fostering a sense of community among people living with bronchiectasis.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ophaiwZ6rew" _builder_version="4.20.2" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
NAC CARES Virtual Challenge – 587.5 miles (945.11 km down)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.20.2" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content" sticky_enabled="0"]
We are excited to share with you an update on our team's virtual Lands End to John O'Groats challenge. As you may know, our team is walking, cycling, and running the length of the UK to raise money for the Fungal Infection Trust. We are proud to announce that we have completed 54% of the challenge, which is equivalent to 945.11km or 587.5 miles.
Currently, we are virtually passing through the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales National Park, having already passed through several noteworthy locations on our journey. These include:
- Bradford: A vibrant city located in West Yorkshire, known for its industrial history and impressive Victorian architecture.
- Huddersfield: A bustling town with a rich cultural heritage, including notable landmarks such as Castle Hill and St. George's Square.
- The Peak District National Park: A stunning area of natural beauty spanning across several counties, including Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire. It's famous for its dramatic landscapes, rugged moorlands, and picturesque villages.
- Sheffield: A vibrant city known for its steel industry, green spaces, and cultural landmarks such as the Millennium Gallery and Winter Garden.
- Sherwood Forest: A legendary location associated with Robin Hood and his band of merry men, known for its ancient oaks and rich wildlife.
- Rufford Abbey: A former Cistercian monastery located in Sherwood Forest, which is now a popular tourist attraction featuring a country park and gardens.
- Sherwood Pines Forest Park: A sprawling woodland park with a range of outdoor activities, including cycling, walking, and a Go Ape treetop adventure course.
- Robin Hood's Wheelgate Park: A family-friendly theme park featuring a range of rides, attractions, and live shows.
- Nottingham: A historic city with a rich cultural heritage, including landmarks such as Nottingham Castle, the Old Market Square, and the Lace Market.
We are thrilled to have made it this far, and we are well ahead of schedule. We are grateful for your continued support, but we still have a long way to go to reach our fundraising goal and John O' Groats; we are confident both will be achieved, and with it, we will make a difference in the fight against fungal infections.
Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon. You can donate via the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEJOG-for-Aspergillosis
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="9860,9859,9858,9857,9856,9861" posts_number="6" show_title_and_caption="off" show_pagination="off" _builder_version="4.20.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
NAC CARES Virtual Challenge - 418.5 miles (673.54km down)
The NAC CARES Team are 30 days into their 100-day challenge to travel the length of the UK from Land End to John O' Groats (LEJOG). The last 30 days have seen the team run, cycle and walk to rack up the miles for the 1,084 mile (1,743km) challenge.
The team is outside Coventry and virtually passed through many well-known landmarks, including Stratford-Upon-Avon, The Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, Oxford and Kenilworth Castle. The beauty of a virtual challenge is that even with the impending cold weather forecast, the team can still check off the miles on treadmills and indoor bikes so, in the words of a Disney Princess, let it snow!
The work of the Fungal Infection Trust (FIT) improves awareness, treatment and outcomes for all those affected by fungal disease. FIT is a small charity who have, over the years, supported the work of the NAC CARES Team, allowing them to maintain their unique work. Every pound raised will help the Trust continue to help people around the world. You can read more about their work here.
To donate, visit here.
NAC CARES Virtual Challenge - Week 2
The NAC CARES Team are seventeen days into their virtual Lands End To John O'Groats (LEJOG) challenge, and this last week has seen them cover a further 65.86 miles (106.1km). This means the team have covered a total of 227.29 miles (365.80km), equating to 1/5 of the total distance.
This week's miles were dedicated to aspergillosis patient Ian Stratton, an avid runner with Brackla Harriers who recently passed away.
This week's collective effort has again been achieved with team walks, trail, road and treadmill running, and more long hours on static bikes. This week's virtual landmark was the stunning Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, England.
The virtual challenge, which the team began on World Aspergillosis Day 2023 (February 1st), covers the length of the UK and will see the team run, cycle and walk a total of 1,084 miles (1,743km).
The goal is to complete the distance in 100 days and to raise just £1 for every km travelled.
If you would like to read more about the Fungal Infection Trust (FIT), which the team are fundraising for, and donate, then follow the link https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEJOG-for-Aspergillosis
NAC CARES Virtual Challenge - Week 1
[et_pb_section admin_label="section"]
[et_pb_row admin_label="row"]
[et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]
It has been ten days since the NAC CARES Team embarked on their virtual Lands End To John O'Groats (LEJOG) challenge. The virtual challenge, which the team began on World Aspergillosis Day 2023 (February 1st), covers the length of the UK and will see the team run, cycle and walk a total of 1,084 miles (1,743km).
The goal is to complete the distance in 100 days and to raise just £1 for every km travelled.
The first ten days have already seen the team cover 14% of the distance; that is 161.4 miles (259.70km), and they are ahead of schedule by a whopping 68.48 miles (110.2km)! The collective effort has been achieved with walks, running, and long hours on static bikes and treadmills. Check out some of the areas we have passed below, and let us know if you live nearby!
The team will be dedicating the next week of miles and km to aspergillosis patient Ian Stratton, an avid runner with Brackla Harriers who recently passed away.
If you would like to read more about the Fungal Infection Trust (FIT) which the team are fundraising for, and donate, then follow the link https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEJOG-for-Aspergillosis
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
[/et_pb_row]
[/et_pb_section]
NAC CARES team charity run for the Fungal Infection Trust
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" theme_builder_area="post_content" _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="4px||4px||true|false"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" custom_margin="11px|auto|11px|auto|true|false"][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" type="4_4" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_image src="https://aspergillosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lejog.jpg" _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" title_text="lejog" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0" width="49%" module_alignment="center"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]
The Fungal Infection Trust (FIT) provides vital support for the work of the CARES team, without which it would be much more difficult to maintain their unique work.
This year, starting on World Aspergillosis Day 2023 (1st Feb) the CARES team is paying back some of that support to FIT.
The Team (Graham/Lauren/Chris/Beth and Seren) have taken on the challenge of getting from one end of the UK to the other with only the power of our legs in 98 days. There are five in the team: two runners, a cyclist and two walkers. We would all normally cover a few km a day so together we think we can cover the 18km A DAY needed to complete this challenge without too many blisters!
With your help we would like to raise £1 a km for the whole journey, so when we are passing your part of the UK (virtually, as we can't get 98 days off work!) please donate.
Keep an eye out for updates on our blog.
Thank You and wish us well!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://aspergillosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/donate-with-justgiving-1-uai-516x103-1-300x60-1.webp" _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" title_text="donate-with-justgiving-1-uai-516x103-1-300x60" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0" align="center" custom_margin="||28px|||" url="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEJOG-for-Aspergillosis" url_new_window="on"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Fungal Infection Trust
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content" custom_padding="8px||8px||true|false"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"]The Fungal Infection Trust (FIT) has supported the National Aspergillosis Centre for decades, enabling many of our patient support websites and support groups to run smoothly.
If you receive support from the National Aspergillosis Centre and its resources please help FIT support us by donating.
FIT is a small UK charity run by volunteers that minimise costs so that over 95% of all donations go into its support of people who have aspergillosis.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Singing for lung health
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content" custom_padding="11px||11px||true|false"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"]The breath control needed to sing can also help people who have lung disease breathe better and can help lift mood too which is vitally important for our health and quality of life.
Want to try therapeutic singing?
You may be lucky and find a lung health group locally, however, you don't have to leave your home to benefit (sessions are run on Zoom), AND you don't have to be a patient either as the groups are also open to carers.
The Asthma & Lung Health charity has published a page giving some useful information on how you can find a singing group in your area.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
NAC Physio Mairead runs the Manchester Marathon for the Fungal Infection Trust
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content" custom_padding="3px||3px||true|false"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" theme_builder_area="post_content"]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]