Sign In / Register
Arkles Bay resident Josh Chase spends a lot of time and effort focusing on fitness – and even more so this month, when he takes part in Cystic Fibrosis NZ’s new fundraiser, Sweatember.
The 26-year-old has cystic fibrosis (CF), and cardio work and resistance training are important in keeping him as healthy as possible. He recently added running to his regime.
CF is a progressive, genetic condition that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe and absorb nutrition, due to a buildup of sticky mucus.
Josh hit his home gym hard, every day of lockdown. As a personal trainer, he sets fitness goals for himself that, this year, include taking part in Sweatember and doing the Run the City event.
“No day at home, or Covid-19 lockdown, is going to stop me working out,” he says.
Sweatember challenges New Zealanders to commit to any sweaty activity this month to get fit and raise money to support people living with CF. It could be a daily walk, run, or cycling – whatever challenge you like – and can be done in a group or on your own.
On Josh’s Sweatember fundraising page, he set the goal of running 100km over the month – a distance he hopes to increase if his health permits. During lockdown he could not go out for a run, but started again this week, under Level 2. “It’s a big challenge for me, because I have good days and others not so good. But I want to show people that even with CF I can achieve my goals,” Josh says.
He is hoping to raise $1000 for Cystic Fibrosis NZ, an organisation that, he says, truly makes a difference by supporting people with CF and their families.
He says people with CF are desperately hoping that a new drug, Trikafta, could be life changing, but it is not currently funded in NZ. “It would cost $42,000 per month to get it, and that is just so far out of reach,” he says.
To support Josh’s Sweatember efforts, visit sweat4cf.org.nz/joshuachaseTo take up the challenge yourself, register at sweatember.org.nz
