Do a Strawfie for Cystic Fibrosis

Breathe with me,
I’m dreaming of how it could be,
If I could breathe like you,
So won’t you breathe like me

These lyrics are from “Breathe With Me” and the singer Anna Jo has cystic fibrosis.

Why am I telling you this? Well, I was contacted by Cystic Fibrosis Trust volunteer Sue who is working on a selfie campaign throughout May and June to raise awareness of the disease.
Before I show you how to do a “Strawfie”, please let me tell you about cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition – only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday. It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.  Around 10,000 people are affected in the UK, but as this equates to only about 0.02% of the UK population, we really need to raise awareness to involve people in fundraising activities to help find a cure.

There are many cystic fibrosis clinics and units in Hampshire including in Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke hospitals.

Sue informed me that she knows of several young people under the age of 25 who are currently on the lung transplant list and that really hit home. I remember a young girl a few years below me at school who died of the disease before she even got to do her GCSE’s. No one’s life should be cut that short.

Do a Strawfie

The action of breathing through a straw, while pinching your nose, emulates the reduced lung function experienced by people living with cystic fibrosis.

Take a selfie of yourself breathing through a straw (a Strawfie) and donate by texting BWCF64 £ (amount) to 70070 or visit visit the website.

Then post your selfie and donation online (Facebook/Twitter/websites/blogs) with a comment about how it made you feel. Remember to nominate friends to try the Strawfie Challenge as well!

Both Run Britain and Run England will be supporting our campaign and also Springfree Trampolines UK Distributor – The link is that people with CF have to exercise regularly (running and bouncing are excellent) as physiotherapy.

To find out more check out these news stories and pages:

Facebook Page
Website:  – news page has updates.
YouTube:  – our campaign song

Cerys CF Journey:
Butserfest 2014:

“Happy Strawfie-ing!”