Daphne’s Steps, My Kilometres

Throughout July, I will be taking on a unique challenge alongside Daphne, a remarkable resident at MHA Rylands who is 104 years old.

Daphne enjoys walking around the gardens and grounds at Rylands each day as part of her daily exercise and wellbeing routine. During July, she will wear a pedometer to record her steps, and for every 1,000 steps she takes, I will run 1 mile.

Each morning, I will find out how many steps Daphne achieved the previous day, and that will determine my running challenge for the day. To ensure the challenge continues whatever the weather, I will run a minimum of 3 miles every day throughout July, even on days when Daphne is unable to get outside for her usual walk.

Together, we’ll be demonstrating the importance of staying active, enjoying the outdoors, and supporting wellbeing at every stage of life.

We’re raising money to support with funding to help with nature based initiatives, which focus on the benefits of nature, outdoor spaces, and meaningful activities that enhance physical, mental and emotional wellbeing for older people. Money raised will go towards activities to support people to enjoy the outdoors as well as bring the outdoor in for those who may not be able to access garden spaces in their daily routine.

As a charity, fundraising and donations play a vital role in making everything MHA does possible. They enable us to provide additional services that help replace loneliness with a sense of togetherness, encouraging later life to be celebrated and lived well.

Whether it’s a creative coffee morning fuelled by arts and crafts, opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through Green Care initiatives, or making communication possible through music therapy, every donation we receive helps make later life something that deserves to be celebrated, enjoyed and lived well.

Daphne’s determination and commitment to staying active at 104 years old is truly inspiring. By supporting this challenge, you’ll not only be helping to fund valuable nature based initiatives, but you’ll also be celebrating the power of movement, connection and the great outdoors.

Thank you for supporting Daphne’s steps, my kilometres, and helping MHA continue to make later life a time to be celebrated, enjoyed and lived well.