Hi, I've chosen to raise funds this advent for Blood Pressure Uk. I want to help raise awareness of how vitally important it is that we all know what our blood pressure is and understand that we need to take action now to keep it at a healthy range and protect our hearts. I would love everyone who donates to me to "know their numbers!". It will only take five minutes to get a check but could change everything and help you live much healthier and happier lives.

When I was 24 (and fully sighted) I had two brain haemorrhages that burst my optic nerve and left me blind due to Grade 4 severe hypertensive retinopathy (caused by my high blood pressure, that I’ve since discovered is something my family suffers with). So I can't stress enough how important it is to be aware of this creeping death! Please don't be complacent about your blood pressure, and if your numbers are too high please do something about it. I know I was very lucky to survive this silent killer…But you might not be”.

The Challenge...1st Dec - 24th Dec 2020...

I found a safe local road about half a mile long, near my home, that could work as my walking route (and I can follow without guided help). I then thought it would be great for me to do an 'advent positive pressure challenge’ ...and i'd only have to do 20 laps every day! 🤣 So I quickly set up this fundraising page and created a challenge that would raise funds and generate awareness for this very important message! 💪🏼 😀

Then...It slowly dawned on me that this challenge will include walking nearly a half marathon a day for 24 days...Awww that's going to hurt and take a lot of effort/strength/energy/discipline to complete. But before I had time to change my mind, i'd created this page and notified the charity...Please help me complete what feels like and impossible challenge, lol! 🤣

I will use my Fitbit to count the steps, and upload the screenshots  to keep you updated each day with my progress!

Blood Pressure UK...

Blood Pressure UK, is the UK charity dedicated to lowering the nation's blood pressure to prevent disability and death from stroke and heart disease. Our vision is that everyone will know their blood pressure numbers, and take steps to keep them healthy both now and in the future. Funds raised from events like this make a huge difference to the work we can do, helping us to offer advice and support to more people, preventing strokes and heart attacks.

Know your numbers and help me to help others know theirs, thanks in advance - Steve.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.