Every step you take

Every step you take

Turn your steps into support this June with our virtual Walk for Hope.

Our annual walking event is back, and this year you decide the route, date and distance. Raise money to support local people affected by cancer with every step you take. Click here to find out more.

The benefits of walking

Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active and become healthier. What’s more, walking and being in nature can make us feel so much better. Even a short burst of 10 minutes brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and mood. Click here to read more about the benefits of walking.

Christine’s story

Since 2017, Christine Weller, who lives in Liss, near Petersfield in Hampshire, has been lacing up her walking boots to complete a number of walking challenges to raise money for local families affected by cancer. She heard about Wessex Cancer Support through close friends when they were supported through a cancer diagnosis.

Christine’s first challenge was the Isle of Wight ultra, when she tackled a very hilly 32 miles. This was followed by a 20-mile New Forest hike at our annual fundraiser, Walk for Hope. In 2019, she completed the 26-mile Test Way. Undeterred by Covid-19, she joined the 2.6-mile walking challenge during lockdown, raising money by walking continuous loops of her garden. She later rescheduled her Thames Path challenge, covering over 200 miles and raising £1,600.

She says:

“I love walking. It’s a great way to get out and spend time with friends, and of course it’s so good for me! So, I combine something I love with the opportunity to raise funds for Wessex Cancer Support, which is very close to my heart. I always feel better after a walk and nothing stops me getting out in the fresh air – even if it’s raining.”

It gives me time to think about what’s going on, or to think about nothing at all

“Just make sure you look after your feet! Invest in a good pair of walking boots or trainers, and decent socks. And remember to stretch before and after. I really find that some simple yoga or Pilates can help with this. Sometimes I walk quite a short distance in my local area and I’ll mix this up with some longer routes. One of my favourite routes is the Shipwrights Way. It’s a long distance path linking the towns and villages of East Hampshire to the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. It runs from Bentley Station southwards over the South Downs and all the way to the sea, finishing at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

“I’ve recently discovered parkwalk. It’s evolved from the famous Saturday morning parkrun. You walk the same distance – just over 3 miles (5K), and it’s a great opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and be part of the community. You might be a fast walker or nearer the back. It doesn’t matter, and you can take part in any of the organised events around the country.

“I’m likely to be in France at the time of this year’s Walk for Hope, but because it’s virtual I can pick my own route and still feel part of it.”