New walking challenge aims to raise funds for local NHS services
Charity invites participants to cover up to 93 miles in October
People across Northamptonshire are being encouraged to get active this October and raise money for local NHS services by taking part in a new charity challenge.
Steps of Hope, organised by Northamptonshire Health Charity, asks participants to complete either 31, 62 or 93 miles during October, equivalent to one, two or three miles a day.
The virtual fundraising event can be completed anywhere and at any pace, whether participants choose to walk, run, cycle, swim, use a treadmill or fit the challenge around their daily routine.
Tanya Haji-Miller, Community Fundraising Manager at Northamptonshire Health Charity, said the event is designed to encourage people to improve their fitness and wellbeing while raising money for a good cause.
She said: "It's the first time the charity has held this event. We're asking people to complete one, two or three miles a day, every day throughout the month.
"We want people to get up, get active and raise some money for charity as well."
The challenge is free to enter, although participants are being asked to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.
Organisers say people can take part for a variety of reasons, including remembering a loved one, thanking the NHS for care they have received, celebrating a recovery milestone or simply improving their own health and fitness.
"There is such an importance on people getting outside and getting walking," Haji-Miller said.
"We want people to be thinking about their health and wellbeing. We want this challenge to help people with their fitness, but also with their mental health as well."
All money raised will stay within Northamptonshire and be used to support NHS services beyond what standard funding can provide.
According to the charity, donations could help fund new medical equipment, improve hospital environments or support projects suggested by frontline staff to enhance patient care.
Haji-Miller said: "Every penny that's raised from Steps of Hope will go towards enhancing patient care within the NHS in Northamptonshire.
"It could be used on bringing new pieces of equipment into hospital spaces or enhancing environments to make them nicer for patients.
Most importantly, every penny will be staying local in our NHS."
More information and registration details are available through Northamptonshire Health Charity website.