IT’S time to put your best foot forward to raise funds for the NHS and boost your health.
The Sun has teamed up with NHS Charities Together, the national charity caring for the NHS, to help get the nation into shape by encouraging people across the UK to walk either 5,000 or 10,000 steps every day in April and May.
Gaby Roslin is getting her steps in and talks about how she loves walking so much she’s given up booze because of itDan Charity / Commissioned by The Sun
Today we are backing The Big Step challenge. As well as make people healthier, it will also improve NHS services. Volunteers are being asked to fundraise with their feet, with cash going to the pioneering projects NHS Charities Together supports which help patients and staff.
Walking is fantastic for physical and mental health. Why not walk with a friend, or get the kids signed up too and walk as a family.
Helping us launch the challenge, here TV presenter Gaby Roslin describes why we should step up for The Big Step.
Step up to our walking challenge for the NHS
AVID walker Gaby Roslin is firmly behind The Big Step Challenge as she regularly clocks up 20,000 steps every day.
The radio and TV presenter hopes The Sun’s campaign with NHS Charities Together will inspire people across the country to join in, get fit and raise cash.
Gaby was determined to stay in good health after her dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and her mum died of lung cancerNational Pictures
Gaby was also close to late Sun columnist Dame Deborah JamesStewart Williams – Commissioned by The Sun
If you don’t have a pedometer or other workout tracking device you can download a step counter app on your smartphone, many of which are free.
Gaby was out on a walk when she spoke to us and said: “In taking 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.
“I walk about ten miles every day. At the weekend it’s probably more like five miles, as I walk into work for my weekend BBC Radio London show.
“It’s so good for your health. Getting the blood pumping around your body is so important.
“I love walking so much I stopped drinking alcohol, because I didn’t want a hangover to put me off going for a walk.
“It’s good for you mentally as well. It does clear the head. It really has changed the way I think about my day.
“I have meetings with producers while I’m walking, talking about new shows.
“It can all happen on the go. I’m not a fairweather walker either, I’m all weathers.
“You have to start slowly. I know people like having headphones on but I tell people to see what’s around you.
“Look up at the buildings, listen to the birds instead of having your head down in a phone.”
Gaby, 58, became determined to stay in good health after her dad, broadcaster and radio presenter Clive Roslin, now 88, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 1996 and her mum Jackie died from lung cancer the following year, aged 62.
She was also close friends with Sun columnist Dame Deborah James, who died last June from bowel cancer.
Dame Deborah, who set up the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, was passionate about being active.
Gaby said: “Deborah would dance and leap around like me. She was amazing.
“I get stopped all the time when I’m walking, as I love to chat and people see me on my social media jumping around in the strangest places. I’ll carry on jumping and leaping.”
HOW TO JOIN THE BIG STEP
TO sign up today and step for the NHS just visit bigstep.co.uk.
Every stepper will receive a pair of red shoelaces for their first donation.
Raise over £35 and you’ll get a special medal.
And if you hit £100 you’ll receive a Big Step T-shirt.
Dr Ranj: Easy for everyone to take part
TELLY medic Dr Ranj Singh is signing up and you’ll be able to follow his progress on his social media.
The former Strictly contestant said: “We know walking can have significant benefits for your mental and physical health.
You’ll be able to follow Dr Ranj Singh’s progress on social media
“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.”
Dr Ranj, 43, believes everyone can take part in the challenge and fit more steps into their daily routine.
The specialist in paediatric emergency medicine added: “Any physical activity is good for you. It keeps your joints mobile, it exercises your muscles, it gets your blood pumping around your body.
“Anybody who has issues with pain and mobility, trying to be as active as you can is a really good idea.
“Then there’s the psychological and mental health benefits. Next, there’s the mindfulness aspect.
“Just being out and about walking can be a mindful experience in itself.
“My mum’s in her 60s. She’s had two knee replacements, but she makes sure she gets out walking as much as she can.
“The challenge is for everyone, so even if you can’t get out you can march on the spot.”