Colleagues from Retail & Trading have challenged themselves to raise valuable funds for Barnardos during the latest lockdown. The team will be working together to achieve their goal by walking, jogging or even on a treadmill achieving 3 million steps in 30 days!

This will not only help our physical fitness but also our mental wellbeing. If you would like to support us in this challenge, any donations would be gratefully recieved. You can donate to the whole team by clicking the donate button above, or support individuals via our own pages.

Week four is complete- the end is in sight!

With just 3 days left of our Challenge we have smashed the target of 3 million steps, so far we have achieved 3.8 million steps and have raised over £4,500 when we include the Gift Aid.

We have had some very novel ways of getting those steps in, from walking around the sofa, running, dancing in the kitchen, long walks and marching on the spot.... the list goes on. What we have all benefited from is fresh air, open spaces, exercise and improved mental health, we have also delighted in raising valuable funds for our Childrens services in the most difficult of times.

The Egyptian geese Leah sees every day on her walk have had goslings aren't they adorable!!

Jenna's Story:

Before I started the 3 Million steps challenge, with working from home, home schooling 2 kids and lockdown I was probably only doing about 1000 steps a day.....yes I really was that inactive! I was also struggling to get the kids motivated to get out of their pyjamas and wash let alone venture outdoors.

Although challenging at times to fit in the steps, it has been such a good experience for me and my family. It has given me a reason to get out and kept us all motivated.

Not only do I feel healthier physically but my mind is healthier. With lockdown and the many challenges it has brought for us all, this challenge has really improved my mental health. Going for a walk or even dancing in the kitchen (which happens a lot) can really make you feel so much better.

I have created healthier habits and plan to continue this once this challenge is over. I'm lucky enough to live in a beautiful place in Newquay Cornwall so the view and beaches are amazing.

My walks have gone from long beautiful beach walks, relaxing walks alone (very rare but dreamy when I could), dog walks to running around my kitchen whilst cooking tea for the family and praying that I get to 10,000 steps before I finish cooking so I can sit down and relax!

The main reason for this is the children, young people and families that we support and thats what has kept me focused throughout this. Working in Childrens Services in Barnardo's for many years, I have seen first hand the difference our services make to their lives.

I am very proud to be part of this challenge and this is new a new way of life for me

Jaynes Story:

Well, what can I say but phew we made it! It has been a long old month however I would not have missed the opportunity for the world. 3.8 million steps done with £4,500 raised.

I am an early bird so up with the lark and out of the house for 7am most days. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside with just a few hardy dog walkers the odd deer to say hello too as I passed by.

I found having head space before the day kicks in a real benefit and it also supported my mental health and wellbeing for sure. I mapped out for myself a few favourite routes (a bit like a bus route) and dependant on the time I had would determine the option. Each day it got easier and before I knew it, I was back at home ready to start the working day.

I did discover a secret treasure one morning on my travels, and anyone that knows me knows I do love to shop! A quaint new gift shop had popped up in the next village to where I live and my, did this catch my eye so much I was on Instagram ordering a gift for my sister before I knew it! At the weekends when I had more time, I had the pleasure of meeting my best friend for exercise in a local country park. This is something neither of us would have found time to do before. Again, amazing views and seeing nature at its best with a take-out coffee to wrap up the morning and a hardearned cookie!

What I will take away from this whole experience is a few things. I feel much fitter not only in body but mind. I have reconnected with so many people from the past who have been super generous donating funds and cheering me on even from as far as Spain. Finally, it has helped me create new behaviours that have now become the norm for me which will support an improved work like balance.

Thank you to everyone that has supported all the team, we could not have done it without you! Whats next David??

Week three= done!

The team completed an incredible 988,647 steps this week bringing our total to 2,927,603, meaning we are almost at our 3 million step target and we've still got over a week to go! Thanks to everyone''s donations we have also raised over £3,500 !!!

Here's the current team totals and some updates from the team :)

Davids Story:

So when the idea first came about that the Retail and Trading Team wanted to undertake a challenge and decided upon the Three Million Steps I was happy as it is something that we could do safely under current COVID-19 restrictions and get fitter at the same time.

Prior to the challenge I have been walking the dogs and running to try and keep fit but I was not very disciplined in what I did, so the challenge has been great for sharpening the focus and making sure that I get away from my laptop and exercise every day. 10,000 steps is around a five mile walk and so my younger dog Mabel (who is a Cockerpoo) has been very happy as she is having big walks now and is disappointed if she just goes the normal way!

The running has been going well and I tend to run five miles when I go but I have learnt that due to my stride I only cover 8,000 steps rather than the 10,000 if I walk!!! Having to walk often in the late afternoon has meant quite a lot of distance covered in the dark and a couple of times I have forgotten my torch which is not clever as I walk along a canal towpath!

I have made a new friend though which is a Barn Owl who I see most nights and it follows me down the canal. If anyone saw me they would probably wonder what I was doing as I talk to the Owl as one night it decided to shout at me as I probably frightened off its pray! I also get followed by little Pipistrel Bats who tend to come quite close, so as the weeks go on I feel like I am turning into Doctor Dolittle as the Ducks and Moorhens also come to see me. I have to say that my knees are getting quite sore now (its an age thing!), so I hope that they hold out to finish the challenge !

Saras Story:

Who knew just a few weeks ago that I would be sharing having completed almost 300,000 steps in three weeks? Well not me & thats for sure!

Like so many of us, I thoroughly enjoy a great stretch at the weekend, it helps me relax and provides me with the time to reflect on stuff which is a big part of whom I am. However, walking during Lockdown has been a very different experience to begin with every walk must begin and end at your own front door so ruling out the beautiful coastal walks I am more familiar with. Remember I usually spend large part of the week away from my local neighbourhood and this challenge has provided me a real opportunity to refamiliarize myself with my home surroundings and reminds me how blessed I am to live amid rolling hills and countryside.

Like David, I have been reintroduced to various species of birds, wildlife and farm animals from Robins to Geese, Squirrels to Foxes, Beetles to Ants and of course Cows and my much beloved Sheep. I have walked at Dawn and Dusk and even the occasional night walk through the woods - which was most exciting, I have walked through Snow, Rain, Sunshine and having enjoyed every step of my journey I am looking forward to completing the challenge and plan to maintain my new habit as for me it feels like a real good habit to have.

Last week as a team we achieved a fabulous total of 2.8 million steps, so very close to the three million pledged. Our fundraising is currently at £3,564 plus £686 Gift Aid taking our total to over £4,000, thank you so much to all who have donated and our thanks also for cheering us on.

Week two update

959,628 steps logged this week bringing the team total to 1,846,955 we've also raised over £3,000 so far!

Our Challenge is going really well, last week we covered over 900,000 steps as a group and have so far raised £2,954 and with over £500 in Gift Aid takes us to £3,500. It is certainly getting us all out in the fresh (sometimes very fresh and wet) air! We are loving the challenge of getting out and making the time to get those steps in.

Jos story: I am getting out for walks with my 2 dogs and aiming to complete the couch to 5k challenge at the same time, at Christmas I started the couch to 5k challenge, week 1 I could not run for 60 seconds without having a break, last week completed 20 minutes before pain really set in I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination and may never run again, not sure my knees and ankles will let me! but I am determined to complete the 9 week programme, this week sees the start of week 8 and the run is up to 28 minutes wish me luck!

Magdalenes story: Wow what a difference taking on this challenge has made to my daily routine. It was easy to immerse myself in working from home whilst also home schooling a 10-year-old, the activity level definitely had dropped. It's amazing how much exercise you get from your day-to-day routine, even just the number of steps we cover walking from the car to a store, walking the store floor and our general day to day activities that have all been restricted due to lockdown. Now I am in a different routine and enjoying my lunchtime walks by the river, as is my son Declan, who gets a break from homework, although I am also known for walking around the house and garden later in the evening to get those additional steps in. I am really enjoying the challenge, not just for the exercise, but also when I see the money we are raising and knowing what it will be used for, really brings and extra Spring to my Step ! Thank you to those who have already sponsored us and to those that will.

Leahs story: Lockdown has been hard for everyone, no matter what the circumstances. I found that I had lost my mojo during this one. Hopefully we are on the home straight now though, that is why I am so glad we started this challenge not only does it get you out and about and helps clear your head but it has also brought the team together, comparing steps, chatting about where weve been etc. its almost like being back at the office chatting over a coffee and not just having to email about work! Thank you to everyone whos donated were half way there!

Many thanks to all that have donated so far, we have just over 2 weeks to our deadline of 17 March, so cheer us on and if you are able to make a donation no matter how small to support our Challenge it will be greatly appreciate.

Week one completed

An incredible 874,920 steps have been taken the team, meaning we are on track to hit our 3,000,000 step target! We've also raised an amazing £2,239!!! A HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated so far! We've still got over 2 million steps to go so please do keep supporting us!

Here's how the team did in week one- shout out to Magdalene who is currently stepping out in the lead with an amazing 106,890 steps!

A few pictures from week one as well: