Asthma.org emails

[Thompson_2009]

I am sure that asthma.org do a good job representing asthma. but some of the emails they send out are a bit ridiculous. like these

We're challenging you to recreate the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek by walking 130km in the month of January. Another one was about doing a marathon.

I get out of breath walking up the stairs.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

There's a lot of variety in Asthma UK's supporters, and the emails are for all supporters. Some don't have asthma but want to support those who do - they might be interested in running a marathon to raise money for the charity. And while I won't be signing up for the marathon and I'm not well controlled, some people with asthma are able to do this kind of event and would like to.

Most charities and their supporters put on and promote events/fundraisers that the people they support might not be able to do themselves.

[Thompson_2009 in reply to Lysistrata]

Thanks I suppose, it does depress me though when I get emails like this when I can no longer exercise anymore or even take our dogs for a walk.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

For those of us not controlled, sometimes the challenges can be unreachable. However, a lot of people who received that email would be able to participate if they wanted to - controlled asthmatics, more mild asthmatics, people without asthma, friends/family etc etc.

They are trying to fund raise during a time when they can’t do their usual ideas that’s all. And you can opt out of being sent those types of emails if you want I think.

But I know asthmatics who DO run marathons and literally (pre covid) would climb mountains, and if AUK can get them involved to fundraise then I’m happy, even when I can’t do it myself.

Last year I did their 2.6 challenge (with Js706) and between us we raised over £500 I think. For me I just delete the ones I know I can’t do as i know it’s not really aimed at me, but I do think about the ones I may be able to to see if I want to get involved.

[Bevvy]

There are a number of elite athletes who have asthma. So it may be that these emails are aimed for those people.I struggle to walk a few meters these days but wouldn’t want to ration the site to just people like myself.

[Thompson_2009]

Thanks for all the replies. It's good that people can raise money. I never understood when they say people have asthma when they are professional athletes. Maybe it's me, but my asthma changed my life forever and I have never had a full life since I got it and nearly lost it a couple of times.

[Lotti_321-]

I see this from both sides as a professional fundraiser for a charity (for transparency it’s a sight loss charity, not to do with asthma). But now, more so than ever we need to raise funds in order to continue the vital work that charities do. Such as for asthma uk they research into asthma treatments - which some of us see the benefits from. Due to a cut in fundraising income as a result of the pandemic research into many many conditions & illness will be cut. So charities are trying to do everything to keep their heads above water and continue delivering all they do. As an asthmatic some days climbing my stairs takes my breath away, so I might not be tempted to one of their challenge events & can see the frustration that might be felt. But some people’s friends or family might do a challenge for asthma uk in support of the help they’ve given that friend/family member. Charities (including asthma Uk) have so many ways that people can support them & challenges such as their kili stair challenge is just one of the ways people can choose to support them.