350,000 steps challenge
This October, we’re inviting you to join our virtual challenge to walk 350,000 steps. That’s roughly 11,290 steps a day, and about one step for each child we support every year.
- Event date:
- 1 October to 31 October 2024
- Location:
- Virtual
- Entry fee:
- Free
- Minimum sponsorship:
- No minimum sponsorship
What is the 350,000 steps challenge?
Our 350,000 steps challenge is a virtual event where we challenge you to walk 350,000 steps in October! Every step, hop, or jump you take will help children living in poverty.
Right now, more than 1 in 4 children in the UK are living in poverty. So that means around 9 children in every classroom are missing out on basics like warm meals, a heated home, and a hopeful future.
But together, we can change that.
By joining this challenge, you’re helping families who are struggling to put enough food on the table or keep the electricity meter topped up. Your steps help children feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful
You can get your steps in anytime, anywhere. It’s a great chance to involve your family and friends too. Whether you’re walking to school, hitting a weekend hike, or taking a lunch break stroll, every step counts.
So, let’s get moving to change childhoods and change lives!
How to take part in the 350,000 steps challenge
Ready
Registration is free, and you can sign up below. Choose to tackle the distance on your own or as a shared goal with your family or friends.
Set
You’ll be invited to join our dedicated Facebook group so you can connect with other fundraisers, share your experiences and get support. Your fundraising page will be automatically set up with a £150 target, but there's no minimum target for this challenge. So, you can choose to increase it, decrease it or keep it as it is.
Go!
Start walking and fundraising! Share pictures and updates with your friends, family and work colleagues, and encourage them to sponsor you as you increase your steps throughout October to change childhoods and change lives!
How your fundraising can help
By joining #TeamBarnardos you’ll be changing childhoods and changing lives.
The figures below show the massive impact that your fundraising could have if you take on this challenge with us!
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£15 could buy thermal curtains so families can keep warm and a child could come home to a warm house this winter.
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£21 could pay for bedding so a child can keep warm and enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.
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£25 could buy a warm winter coat for a child in need.
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£27 can help provide a family with the nourishing food they need for three days.
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£50 could provide specialist support to a family struggling to make ends meet, giving them access to longer term financial advice to help set them up for a better future.
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£60 could help cover the costs of a trolley full of food to keep a family well-fed for a whole week.
Why join #TeamBarnardos?
As part of 350,000 Steps Challenge, you’ll receive:
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Constant inspiration and advice from our enthusiastic Challenge Events team
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A dedicated Facebook group to share your progress and the opportunity to connect with other fundraisers who are taking on the challenge
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An online progress tracker
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Knowing you’ll be making a difference to the lives of children, young people and families in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter?
Nothing. Entry for this event is completely free!
Is there a minimum amount I need to raise?
We’ve automatically set you a £150 target, but there's no minimum target for this challenge! So, you can choose to increase it, decrease it or keep it as it is.
How do I log my minutes?
You can use our progress tracker to record your steps. This looks at an average of 11,290 steps a day, but we know some days you will reach more than others. By the end of October, you’ll have walked 350,000 steps!
How do I fundraise?
Once you’ve filled in the quick registration form, your fundraising page will be created for you.
From here you can choose between fundraising on Facebook or Just Giving.
Once you’re all set up, don’t forget to share your page with your friends and family, asking them to support your efforts and donate to helping create safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful childhoods for young people.
We'll be on hand in the Facebook group to provide helpful tips and support with your fundraising efforts throughout the challenge.
Search more events
Find the pace of event that suits you. Explore other kinds of events you can participate in, from inflatable 5Ks to marathons.
Want to organise your own fundraising challenge?
If you already have an idea of how you want to raise money for us, get in touch so that we can help you arrange it and offer our support throughout your journey.
Support with fundraising
We are here to support you every step of the way. Find out more about how to access materials, guidance or moral support.