#FitFor30Challenge – Melanie’s fundraising story
Posted 4 years ago in the A big thank you, Challenges, Fit for 30 Challenge, Volunteers and fundraisers categories
Melanie from twoplusdogs.co.uk took on the #FitFor30Challenge in September 2020 to raise vital funds for Canine Partners. This is her fundraising story.
At the end of September I completed my Fit for 30 Challenge to raise awareness and money for the brilliant Canine Partners. I have loved it! I first heard about Canine Partners via social media and couldn’t wait to get involved with such a worthwhile cause. Canine Partners are an amazing charity. They match people with physical disabilities with amazingly talented assistance dogs.
What is the Fit for 30 Challenge?
The Fit for 30 Challenge ran throughout September and is designed to increase physical activity and fitness, as well as to encourage mental wellbeing. To take part, you simply choose an activity based around the numbers 30, for example 30 minutes of something, 30 repetitions of something and so forth. You then complete your challenge for the 30 days of September (or at any time of the year!) and ask people to support you by donating to the charity. I chose to complete 30 minutes of yoga for 30 days, as I often overlook prioritising it but feel such huge benefits. It was really easy to join and the staff at Canine Partners couldn’t have been more helpful.
My month of yoga
The event really encouraged me to make the time to do yoga each day and I am so glad that I did. My mind, which can be quite busy at times, feels so much clearer and more focused – I feel generally calmer. Having suffered with a back injury a couple of years ago, it now feels stronger and I wake up without stiffness. My knotty shoulders are much more mobile and I have looked forward to the overall feeling of wellness that my daily class has given me. At times it was tricky to fit in, but I even got up early to get my 30 minutes in on the hectic days.
Starting the day this way was so positive. I used the Peleton Fitness app to complete my yoga and loved the variety and quality of classes they offer. Some of my favourites included 90’s yoga, Whitney Houston yoga, evening slow flow, and power yoga. I also topped up the physical activity with some meditation using the same app. I am happy that I have raised awareness for the charity and also managed to raise some money from kind family and friends.
I would strongly encourage anybody to get involved with and support Canine Partners. It is such a worthwhile charity. You can also enjoy some personal gain from being fitter and stronger, physically and mentally, from your chosen activity. I am determined to take at least five classes of yoga each week moving forwards and will be keeping an eye on Canine Partners to see how I can continue to support them.