Kenilworth residents taking on 5.8million step advent challenge in aid of Leamington charity

A group of residents in Kenilworth have been taking on a 5.8million step advent challenge in aid of a Leamington charity.

The Kenilworth Steppers, which is made up of 18 women, have been taking on an advent challenge together.

They have all been stepping out every day with the aim of completing 5.8 million steps - 2,858 miles - by the end of advent. This is the distance from Kenilworth to Bethlehem.

The group are also raising money for Leamington-based charity Helping Hands, which works with vulnerable and homeless people in the district.

Rachel Bradley from the Kenilworth Steppers said: "You'll see us walking the streets of Kenilworth on most days in order to achieve our total, it's quite a challenge for us as the average daily step target is way above what we would normally do.

"It's a great motivation to get out and do something during our tier 3 restrictions plus we are excited to be able to make a difference to Helping Hands who are most appreciative of what we will be able to raise and donate to them.

"Also, this Sunday (December 20) from 7.45pm, you'll be able to see us all walking circuits of Abbey fields (socially distanced) in fancy dress in an effort to increase our steps and have a bit of fun."

Miranda de Freston, another member, said: “It’s been lovely to get to know more local people, has encouraged us to all get out more and raise money for a great local charity.”

Another member, Rebecca Gilbert, said: "We are using our feet to help hands and are stepping out to help out."

Helping Hands chief executive Lianne Kirkman said: "We are so grateful to Kenilworth Steppers for thinking of us.

"5.8 million steps in 24 days - what amazing thing to do.

"This brilliant support will really help us to continue to offer support to those who need it more than ever as winter deepens and again shows the depth of kindness that exists in our wonderful community in Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick.

"Thank you so much."

To donate to the Kenilworth Steppers' fundraising page go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kenilworth-steppers