An 86-year-old woman, Nova Strange, has achieved an incredible feat, shattering her fundraising goal for BBC Children in Need! This story is not just about hula-hooping; it's about determination, community, and the power of a good cause.
Nova, from Cheddington, set out to raise £500 by hula-hooping 100 times daily for 100 days. She had never even tried it before the coronavirus lockdown! But, she not only met her goal, she absolutely smashed it! Nova managed to raise almost £2,000!
Imagine the dedication! Over three months, she diligently twirled that hoop, driven by her commitment to helping children and young people across the UK. Her final spins were witnessed by a supportive crowd at Cheddington Methodist Church, where the atmosphere was filled with cheers and encouragement.
"It's been an amazing experience," Nova shared, admitting that the challenge left her "a bit out of breath." She credits the daily messages of support for keeping her motivated. She started hula-hooping as a way to exercise during lockdown. "I just wanted to do some exercise. And, you know, we couldn't really do a lot, could we? So it's something you can do in your own home. Anybody can do it. And it's good for your waist...We're all old and it's good for us."
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the physical act; it's about the joy of movement, the connection with others, and the satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than oneself.
Children in Need is returning on Friday night for an evening dedicated to raising funds for children and young people across the UK.
