Celebrities urge public to raise cash for NHS by taking part in ‘The Big Step’

Dr Ranj Singh, Gaby Roslin, Dr Hilary Jones, Ben Shephard, Dame Arlene Philips, Ade Adepitan, Danny Crates, The Proclaimers and Lee Latchford-Evans endorse the annual stepping challenge which aims to improve the health of the nation and raise vital funds for NHS Charities Together to support NHS staff, patients and communities

Much-loved presenter, author, columnist and NHS doctor – Dr Ranj Singh – is once again encouraging the nation to get moving as part of an NHS fundraising challenge. Now in its second year, ‘The Big Step’ takes place this October with the aim of getting the nation active while improving NHS services in the process.

Long-standing TV and radio favourite and walking fan Gaby Roslin is also lending her support to the fundraiser for the second year in a row. TV regulars Dr Hilary Jones and Ben Shephard; Paralympic athletes Ade Adepitan and Danny Crates; choreographer Dame Arlene Philips; Scottish music duo The Proclaimers and former Steps superstar Lee Latchford-Evans also recorded special video messages encouraging participants to get involved in this year’s walking challenge.

Led by NHS Charities Together, the national charity caring for the NHS, ‘The Big Step’ invites people across the UK to fundraise with their feet for the NHS, by walking 5,000 or 10,000 steps every day for the month of October.

A recent poll of over 2,000 UK adults, carried out by YouGov on behalf of NHS Together*, revealed high levels of love and support for the NHS, with almost four in five (78%) of survey respondents believing the NHS is one of the UK’s best loved institutions. Despite this admiration, only one in three (33%) said they want to help look after the NHS by fundraising, volunteering, donating or offering other support to the NHS. When it comes to looking after our own health, over four in five (83%) respondents said they believe they need to take more responsibility for looking after my own health (e.g. eating well, exercising more, etc.)

A quick and easy way to take more ownership over our own health and well-being is to sign up for the Big Step 2024. Taking part involves walking either 5,000 or 10,000 steps a day for the 31 days of October, with funds going to NHS Charities Together, helping the NHS go further for staff, patients and communities.

NHS Charities Together provides 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 this month-long challenge isn’t just about raising funds. It’s also about improving the nation’s health and preventing poor health, with high step counts associated with improved fitness, healthier weight and improved mental wellbeing. It is hoped that everybody who registers for The Big Step can become more active, whatever their level of fitness or ability; and that healthier habits formed will continue long after the event ends – with a more physically active society reducing pressure on health services in the long-term.

 

Dr Ranj Singh 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, added:

“By taking part in The Big Step, 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.”

In his video, TV favourite Dr Hilary Jones said:

“Hello my stepping friends, it’s Doctor Hilary here and I’m inviting you to take on the Big Step this October to raise funds for NHS Charities Together. You can choose to walk either 5000 or 10,000 steps a day and every penny raised can help the NHS to thrive. In the last four years, NHS Charities Together supported almost a million NHS staff, over half a million NHS patients and 15,000 volunteers.

“Plus, stepping is a fantastic way to get active. It can boost physical health, reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being as well. Basically, everyone’s a winner. So put on that T-shirt, lace up your trainers, put a smile on your face and sign up to the Big Step today. Good luck and great stepping.”

In a video message promoting The Big Step, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist and British TV presenter and journalist Ade Adepitan said:

“I’m inviting people to take on the Big Step – or the big roll – this October to raise funds for NHS charities Together. Anyone can take part and I’m encouraging all wheelchair users to get involved. Plus, keeping active and enjoying the outdoors can boost your physical health, reduce your stress levels, and improve your mental health. Basically, everyone’s a winner. So come on, sign up to the big step now. Good luck!”

In his video message, former Paralympic champion Danny Crates said:

“I’m inviting you to sign up for the Big Step this October for NHS Charities Together. You can choose to walk either 5,000 or 10,000 steps each day and every penny raised will really help the NHS thrive.”

Choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Arlene Phillips said:

“Hi, Arlene Phillips here inviting you to join in the Big Step to raise funds for NHS Charities Together this October. Join me.”

Popular presenter Ben Shephard – best known for fronting programmes such as This Morning and Tipping Point – added:

“Hey there, Big Steppers! We would love you to take part in the Big Step – which is happening in October – to support NHS Charities Together. We want you to walk either 5,000 or 10,000 steps every single day in October, knowing that every penny raised will go towards supporting the over a million NHS staff there are, the 500,000 patients and the 15,000 volunteers. It’s an extraordinary charity that desperately needs all of our support. And as well as that, doing those steps is really good for your own health, so everyone’s a winner. Get stepping!”

In their short and sweet message, Scottish music duo The Proclaimers – best known for their song I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) in which they claim they would walk 500 miles and they would walk 500 more, said:

“Hi, we’re the Proclaimers. We’re urging people to sign up to The Big Step. NHS Charities Together. All the very best. Good luck!”

Lee Latchford-Evans, one of the members of the late 90s and early noughties pop band Steps, is taking part in The Big Step this year. In his video, he said:

“Hey guys, how are you doing? I’m inviting you to join the NHS Charities Together Big Step happening in October. So what do you have to do? Quite simply, walk 5000 or up to 10,000 steps per day. It’s great for the cardiovascular system. It’s going to help reduce stress levels and burn off those extra calories that we all want to burn off. You’ll all be helping an amazing cause. So it’s a win-win for everybody. Over the last four years, NHS Charities Together have helped 1 million staff, half a million patients and over 15,000 volunteers. So what are we waiting for? Sign up today, I’ll be taking part too. Good luck and I’ll see you out there.”

Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising for NHS Charities Together, added:

“This October, we’re excited to see people donning their trainers, pounding across pavements and parks and peering at their pedometers as they clock up their steps in aid of the NHS. The Big Step is something everyone can do, whoever and wherever you are. Whether your target is 5,000 or 10,000 steps a day, you’ll not only be helping your own health and improving your fitness, but you’ll be helping our much-loved NHS too.

“Put your best foot forward this October and join me by taking part in the Big Step Challenge. Every penny raised will help the NHS go further by supporting our NHS staff, patients and communities. Whether it’s funding interactive kitten scanners for children facing cancer, or rest and relaxation spaces for hard-working NHS staff coming off busy shifts, the extra help is needed now more than ever. With winter approaching and our health services becoming even busier, we’re so grateful for everyone raising vital funds to make sure our NHS can thrive and be there for all of us when we need it most.”

There is free entry and no minimum fundraising target, and alongside the amazing feeling of getting active and boosting your health, participants can also receive rewards as they tick off key fundraising milestones. As an added incentive, every stepper will receive a special medal for fundraising £50, and a coveted Big Step t-shirt will be sent to steppers who fundraise £100 or more.

Sign up for the Big Step today by visiting: www.bigstep.co.uk.