People from across Yorkshire are being invited to take part in a healthy walking challenge and raise funds for vital cancer research.
Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire has launched the Million Step Challenge 2024, a fun new event that will see teams of five aiming to collectively take one million steps – the equivalent of 500 miles in total and 100 miles per person – throughout September.
All money raised through sponsorship will be donated to Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information, for its work directly in the Yorkshire region.
Each team is being encouraged to reach a fundraising target of £2,024, marking the year 2024.
Alexandra Fogal, chair of Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire, said: “The Million Step Challenge is an exciting new event for the Yorkshire calendar which will not only raise valuable funds for Cancer Research UK here in the region but also encourage active lifestyles and wellbeing as we enter the autumn months.
“We are encouraging people from across the Yorkshire business community and beyond to enter teams to take part in September. There is no obligation to walk 500 miles; taking part is a fantastic achievement. Businesses across the region also have an opportunity to match fund their team’s efforts.
“Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work is only possible by the extraordinary efforts of people in the community. Every penny counts and we are grateful for everybody who supports us.”
Kathryn Leverett, relationship manager at Cancer Research UK, added: “All funds raised through the Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire Million Step Challenge will make a genuinely positive impact and contribute hugely towards our ongoing vision to bring about a world where everyone can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
Teams who sign up to the challenge will set up a dedicated online fundraising page which can also be used to upload photos and share progress updates with family, friends and colleagues.
To help teams monitor their steps reach that magic million, Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire has set up a Strava Club to join. Teams that sign up are being encouraged to kickstart their effort by taking part in the Shine Night Walk Leeds 2024, which is taking place from Millennium Square in Leeds on the evening of September 6. The 10km event can count towards the Million Steps Challenge and fundraising targets.
A final walk to mark the end of the challenge is also taking place at Yorkshire Sculpture Walk on September 29, with final details to be confirmed.
To sign up a team and receive full details, email Alexandra.fogal@uk.ey.com or lwalker6@uk.ey.com.
Business Beats Cancer is a fundraising initiative that brings together influential business leaders to fundraise for Cancer Research UK. It holds a series of events throughout the year including an annual dinner and golf day.
To find out more about Business Beats Cancer Yorkshire visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/business-beats-cancer-yorkshire.
