Strictly Come Dancing alumni Dr Ranj Singh is encouraging the nation to get moving as part of our new charity fundraiser ‘The Big Step’ – a challenge that promises to make people healthier and improve NHS services in the process.
‘The Big Step’ invites people across the UK to fundraise with their feet for the NHS, by walking either 5,000 or 10,000 steps every day for the months of April and May.
Presenter, author and columnist Dr Ranj Singh, who still works in the NHS, said:
“We know that walking can have significant benefits for your mental and physical health. As well as helping you stay mobile, exercise muscles and maintain a healthy weight, it’s a great stress reliever and can even help combat depression.
“There’s nothing like exercise-induced endorphins to make you feel good – and you’ll feel even better knowing you’re raising funds to help NHS charities while you’re at it. And anyone can take part regardless of ability. Just do whatever you can – it all counts and helps!”
Avid walker Gaby Roslin, who often clocks up 20,000 steps a day, adds:
“To take part, you’re helping others and you’re helping yourself. Walking is good for your heart, your body, your soul, your head. And the planet. The NHS do an amazing job, and we should all play our part by staying fit and healthy.”
We provide extra support to staff and patients in every hospital and health board in the UK. With the NHS under more pressure than ever before this support has never been so important, but the 61-day challenge isn’t just about raising funds. It’s also about improving the nation’s health, with high step counts a proven way to get fit, lose weight, and improve mental wellbeing.
We’re encouraging everyone to take part and get more active, whatever their level of fitness or ability. And we hope that by taking part for two months from 1st April, participants will form healthier habits and continue their increased activity long after the event ends – with a healthier society meaning reduced pressure on health services in the long-term.
Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising for NHS Charities Together, added:
“This spring, we’re excited to see steppers across the UK fundraising with their feet for the NHS. The Big Step is something everyone can do, whoever and wherever you are – and you’ll not only be helping your own health, you’ll be helping our NHS too.
“Every step taken shows that we care, because all money raised by the Big Step is spent on helping the NHS do more, and supporting better care for our NHS staff, patients and communities. This extra help is needed now more than ever, and we’re so grateful for everyone getting behind the NHS at this challenging time.”
There is free entry and no minimum fundraising target, and alongside the amazing feeling of putting your best foot forward and boosting your health, participants can also receive rewards as they tick off key fundraising milestones. Every stepper will receive red shoelaces for their first donation, a special medal for fundraising over £35, and a t-shirt for fundraising over £100.
