Frequently Asked Questions
The challenge
What is Team CF Superheroes: My Challenge, My Way?
Team CF Superhero: My Challenge, My Way is a chance for you to choose your own challenge, while raising as much money as you can for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Your challenge can be anything, from walking around your garden or star jumping, to cycling on a static-bike or bouncing on a trampoline… the choice is yours! Sign up today to set up your superhero page. Registration is completely free!
What is the date of the challenge?
This challenge will be open until 31 December 2020, however, we will continue to develop this platform to ensure you can be a Team CF Superhero, wherever you are and however you want.
Is there a minimum age?
Anyone can take part in this challenge! If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign up for you.
Is there a registration fee?
Taking part is free! You can register here
Where can I get advice on fitness?
Here are some suggested resources from CF physiotherapists to help you stay active and fit!
- Joe Wicks – great workouts for getting fitter and stronger at home with no extra kit required. These workouts are aimed at adults and children.
- Beam – exercise and wellness video platform (previously known as Pactster) for people with cystic fibrosis. The platform offers exercise videos of various intensities, with targeted yoga and yoga for better breathing videos being particularly useful.
- Sophie Grace Holmes – a personal trainer with CF who is completing home workouts live on Instagram.
- Tai chi - the benefits of tai chi for people with CF have been studied by researchers at the London South Bank University and the Royal Brompton Hospital. The Wu Shi Taiji & Qigong Association UK were part of this study and have made their home practice for people with CF available on YouTube.
Once you set up your challenge page, you can also access our bespoke training portal and chat to our Personal Trainer Graeme for fitness tips and advice via our Facebook group.
Why a virtual challenge?
With hundreds of events postponed and many of the CF community shielding right now. Choosing your own challenge gives you the freedom to take on an activity that’s right for you, at your own pace, in a safe place. However, this event is also about giving our community the opportunity to be a superhero whenever and however you want, whether you can’t take part in an event or you want to keep your superpowers a little less public.
Taking part in a virtual challenge means you aren’t restricted by a time or location for your challenge. Simply log the activity where and when you can! Plus, you can share your progress online and interact with other people taking part!
Where can I get ideas for my challenge?
Check out our A-Z list of favourite activities here
Cystic fibrosis
About cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition that affects over 10,500 people in the UK. It causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with thick mucus, which can make climbing the stairs feel like climbing a mountain.
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.
For information about CF and the work we do, visit our website.
How does CF affect daily life?
Cystic fibrosis is a complex, life-shortening condition that affects everyone differently, but for many it involves a huge daily burden of care and treatment, financial pressures, emotional challenges, and isolation from others with the condition. Read more about how CF affects daily life.
Why is it important for someone with CF to stay active?
Exercise is a vital part of treatment for people with CF because it can help clear mucus from the lungs, improve physical bulk and strength and help improve overall health. It’s particularly important right now for people with CF to maintain an exercise routine while following the Government’s shielding guidance.
Fundraising and resources
How much do I have to fundraise?
Right now, your support is more important than ever, and we are asking that participants aim to raise at least £150, £200 or £250.
We’ve seen a huge increase in the demand for our services and financial support, which comes at a time when we are facing a substantial drop in our fundraising income. These fundraising targets could make a huge difference to someone with CF or their family.
These targets are only goals. However much you end up raising from your challenge will help our fight for a life unlimited by cystic fibrosis.
What is JustGiving and how do I use it?
JustGiving is an online fundraising platform, which you can use to collect your sponsorship. Your fundraising page will be set up automatically when you register.
If you have already registered, you can access your page by entering the log-in details you used when you signed up. You can share your page with friends and family to encourage them to donate to you.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid adds 25p to every £1 donated, at no extra cost to the donor. It’s a Government scheme that enables charities to claim this ‘extra money’ from tax that people have already paid.
To allow us to claim Gift Aid, the donor has to be a UK taxpayer and have paid sufficient Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount we will reclaim in the tax year. If you are fundraising offline, please make sure you send your sponsorship form to us so we can claim it.
Are there any downloadable fundraising ideas or materials?
How do I pay in my money?
Asking people to donate directly to your fundraising page is the easiest way to pay in your sponsorship, as the money comes directly to us and cuts out any admin for you.
If you’ve collected cash, then you can pay in the money yourself to your fundraising page (using a credit or debit card). Don’t forget to send us any sponsorship forms so we can claim the Gift Aid.
Distance Tracking
What is Strava and how do I use it?
Strava is a training app which tracks and records your distance. You can find out how to use it by watching this video.
JustGiving is partnered with Strava, which means you can link your fundraising page to your Strava account, and your page will update automatically every time you complete an activity - that way your donors can see how you’re getting on! Fundraisers who use this feature raise an average 46% more.
What happens if I forget to track my activity or I don’t want to use a tracking app?
You can manually add miles to your fundraising page to let your supporters know how you’re getting on.
Help
Who do I contact if I want to speak to someone about the challenge?
If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us:
What are the event rules?
There are no rules (apart from the Government guidelines on how to exercise safely during this time). The main thing is getting active, having fun and raising whatever you can to help the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.