Reservoir woman Rebecca Martin takes the plunge after tragic family death

One woman is facing one of her greatest fears in memory of her mother, who tragically died after a tough battle with lung disease.

Rebecca Martin is working to raise awareness of the impact of lung disease after losing her mum, Cheryl.

A Reservoir woman who lost her mother to a debilitating disease is taking a brave plunge to spread awareness in her memory.

Rebecca Martin’s mum Cheryl tragically died in March this year after a lifelong battle with lung disease, facing debilitating issues with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Before she died at 73, Cheryl battled the brutal disease for more than 30 years.

At times it made breathing so difficult, it impacted on her ability to sleep and to move, even from the shower to her bedroom.

Despite the stigma around the disease, Cheryl was healthy, active and had never smoked.

Now, Ms Martin is advocating for more awareness and research for lung disease, while facing her fears and fundraising through the Plunge in for Lungs campaign with Lung Foundation Australia.

“Lung disease is not talked about enough … my mum suffered so much and she shouldn't have had to,” she said.

Cheryl battled lung disease for more than 30 years, being frequently hospitalised, despite being completely healthy otherwise.

“I'm only 41, I would’ve loved to have had my mum around a bit longer.”

The Plunge in for Lungs campaign is raising money to support those living with lung disease and help future generations reduce their risk of developing a lung disease.

Ms Martin said her involvement in the campaign, of which she is the top fundraiser, also meant she had to face her fears.

“The Plunge in for Lungs challenge encourages people to get in some cold water whether it was an ice bath, a pool or the ocean,” she said.

“My whole life I’ve been terrified of being submerged in water … any time, I have to keep my head above water.

“But I liked the idea of the ocean and I thought that might be a nice way to honour my mum‘s bravery because right up to the end, she was just so brave.

“If we can encourage people to donate or do anything to help the Lung Foundation, we can do more research and help people so they can live, less difficult lives, or at least live longer.”

According to the Lung Foundation Australia, lung disease and lung cancer are the second leading cause of death in the nation.

Lung Foundation Australia chief executive Mark Brooke said vaping and smoking were a major concern and called for tighter laws.

“We need to start viewing lung and respiratory health as a priority … Vaping and smoking are highly addictive, and it’s important to remember the individuals are not to blame,” he said.

“We desperately need tighter restrictions to prevent access to vapes, and funding to educate young people on the risks, to curtail the generational risks associated with it.”

Funds raised during the campaign will be put towards education to spread awareness of the dangers, as lung disease impacts one in three Australians.

Almost 1.16 million Australian adults use vapes regularly and a third of teenagers admit to vaping.

Donate to the Plunge in for Lungs campaign here.