Charity challenges Brummies to walk the world in memory of loved ones lost.
Birmingham St Mary’s is challenging Brummies to walk around the world this spring as a tribute to loved ones lost.
The local hospice has launched Step Together, a new campaign which is asking people to collectively walk 16 million steps – the total number of strides it would take to do a lap of the world – whilst raising vital funds for the charity.
Taking place between Thursday 1st February and Saturday 31st March, the initiative will see people from across the city join forces and step together to help celebrate the memories of those no longer with us.
Participants can choose when and how they build up their step count – whether it’s walking their children to school, going for a lunchtime stroll, or taking the stairs instead of a lift – and can complete the challenge solo or as part of a group. Each stride will be added to a grand total, with an aim that Brummies will have collectively completed a lap of the world by the end of March.
Lucy Watkins, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one or just looking for a different way to get fit this New Year, Step Together is a fantastic way to get people moving whilst doing something amazing. We really want to smash our 16 million step target and hope that together, the people of our city complete multiple laps of the world.”
All funds raised will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness. Lucy added: “It costs £22,000 to run our Hospice each day, so we truly rely on the generosity of local people to help us continue to provide our crucial services. That’s why we’re asking people to step together, so that we can care for even more individuals and families – whether that’s at the Hospice, in people’s homes or in the local community.”
To help participants measure their strides, the charity has joined forces with Give Penny, in which walkers can connect their fundraising page to their FitBit to help track steps and donations. Alternatively, steps can be monitored via smartwatches, mobile apps or a pedometer, with the latter available to purchase from the Hospice.
Walkers that raise over £25 in sponsorship will be rewarded with their own commemorative medal. To find out more or to sign up, visit: Step Together