Music in Hospitals & Care supporters and staff take a whopping 2,551,424 steps into Christmas

Through the month of December, a month fraught with uncertainty, anxiety and disappointment for us all, a group of wonderful fundraisers joined us to Step into Christmas and help share the healing power of live music across the UK.

Inspired by the classic Christmas pop song by Elton John, participants chose a step goal that would challenge them and worked to reach that target every day throughout advent. This isn’t always easy to do in December, there are many days when ‘the weather outside is frightful’ and we want nothing more than to stay indoors where it’s warm! But people were dedicated, and together we stepped 2,551,424 steps and raised £2,675!

Staff at a care organisation in Glasgow took part as a team, stepping 735,200 steps between them and raising a fantastic £895.

Staff member Julia said, “I ended up dragging my mum out for a good few walks and gossips in the pouring rain but it was worth it every time. Very good for clearing the head and winding down!”, and Jemma said “It felt great to be more active instead of using the car all the time.”

Keen hiker Christine Nagle threw herself into the challenge with gusto, clocking up a whopping 198,453 steps in her first 14 days. Unfortunately a positive COVID-19 test meant she then had to stop, but Christine said she had enjoyed the challenge because going out walking reminded her “of the beauty in nature during winter.”

Music in Hospitals & Care staff were keen to get involved too, and the five team members that took part clocked up 1,344,102 steps between them! Sue, our Fundraiser in Scotland, said “Beautiful sunrises and blustery storms were all part of the challenge. My goal was 10,000 steps a day and I was delighted to finish with an average of 11,000 a day.  Music was an important part of the walks and knowing how much it helped me really motivated me to raise money to share it with others who are more isolated.”

Huge thanks to all who took part in Step into Christmas and those who sponsored them. Your generosity has made a real difference, and will help to share the healing power of live music in 2021!