This September, Step Up for a healthier, happier you and help stroke patients, and those with other neurological conditions, learn to walk again. 

1 in 6 people  suffer a stroke in their lifetime and almost two thirds of UK stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability. 

That’s why we have launched an appeal to raise £428,660 for a LokomatPro Sensation; a revolutionary piece of robotics, also known as a ‘Walkerbot’ to help with the rehabilitation of stroke and neuro patients.

Every step you take during September and every pound you raise helps us towards our fundraising target and achieve our goal of revolutionising stroke and neuro rehab at Southmead. 

Together, let’s step for our health and help patients regain their independence and rebuild their lives after stroke. 

P.S. If you don’t fancy setting up your own challenge, why not join the Charity team and other supporters for the Bristol to Bath Walk on 29 September. 

Challenge Information 

Who – You and your colleagues! 

What – You decide! Will it be 10k steps a day or a marathon a week; it’s your challenge, it’s your choice!  

When – Throughout September 2025. 

Where – Anywhere. You can take on your step challenge wherever you like, from your local park to your living room. 

Why – Help revolutionise stroke rehabilitation for Bristol 

How – Set your daily target and log your progress. You can download one of the many fitness apps out there to do this.

Fundraising – This is a fundraising challenge, so set up your fundraising page here, set yourself a fundraising target and share with your family, friends and work colleagues.

Social Media – Share your #StepUpForSouthmead challenge on your social media pages and LinkedIn and encourage those within your network to take on a challenge of their own. Make sure you tag us so we can see and share your posts!

How to get involved 

1. Sign up here and start fundraising for Southmead Hospital Charity’s Walkerbot Appeal 

2. Set up your fundraising page and the target amount you want to raise. 

3. Share your challenge with family, friends and work colleagues and on your social media pages 

4. Start your ‘Step up for Southmead Challenge’ on 1^st September 2025 

5. Log your steps daily or weekly. 

6. Celebrate your success! 

Everything you need to know for your Step up for Southmead Challenge 

Taking 10,000 steps a day is not only a great way to boost your health, improve energy and enhance mental wellbeing, it is also the equivalent number of steps a physiotherapist takes every day. 

How to track your steps: 

• Smartphones and Apps – Many health and fitness apps count steps for you 

• Fitness Trackers – Devices like Fitbit or smart watches provide accurate step tracking 

• Pedometers – Simple, affordable step counters you can clip onto clothing 

Tips to hit 10,000 steps a day: 

• Take the stairs instead of the lift 

• Walk during breaks  

• Walking meeting  

• Park further away from the office 

• Dance – a kitchen disco counts! 

Make it fun 

• Make it competitive within your team or department with a leaderboard or Hall of Fame. 

• Explore new places and discover new routes to walk or run. 

• Listen to music or podcasts and entertain yourself while getting your steps in.