Publish date: 14 May 2026
Step into Summer: Week One Results
Our Step into Summer Challenge is back for 2026 and we’re thrilled to share that we have more steppers than ever before!
A fantastic 281 staff members have signed up this National Walking Month, forming 32 teams who have been going head to head since Friday 1 May.
And what a start you’ve made! In just the first week you’ve already clocked up a collective total of over 24 million steps (24, 301,286 to be precise!) - that’s around 12,151 miles, which would take you all the way from our Mersey Care HQ, V7 to Aukland in New Zealand!. Pretty impressive, hey?
Now, onto the moment you’ve all been waiting for… we know you’re keen to find out which team took the top spot in week one.
This year, we’ve even created a short video to reveal the results — so get ready for the big announcement!
A huge well done to all who have stepped out with their team this week – it’s such a great way to give us a healthy boost and support wellbeing – a small action that can make such a difference – the theme promoted by Mental Health Awareness Week this year.
In addition to the weekly winning team, we’ve also had some outstanding individual steppers who deserve a mention.
- Hannah Savage (Hartley Hoppers) – 329,509 steps
- Jennifer Billingsley (Red Hot Chilli Steppers) – 255,200 steps
- Andy Willis (Red Hot Chilli Steppers) – 243,361 steps
- Daniel Melling (Wellbeing Wanderers) – 242,114 steps
- Anna Harden (IRAS - I Really Am Stepping) – 215,396 steps
- Christopher Windell (Take the biscuit ... for a walk) – 215,390 steps
A huge well done to all of you top-steppers!
Nothing like a bit of healthy competition
It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the challenge – spending time with your team and even going head to head with each other.
Jyoti Amin, team leader for the P.U.G.S, shared:
“The P.U.G.S team (Postgraduate, Undergraduate and Staffing in Medical Workforce) have had a brilliant first week, lots of steps, plenty of laughs, and a bit of healthy competition along the way. We have even created our own awards, including ‘Weekly Warrior’ and ‘Streak Master’, which have added a fun twist and kept everyone motivated. Our current Weekly Warrior, Ciaran, has set the bar high and is already daring anyone to try and dethrone him… so watch this space!”
Please send us photos or videos of your walks. – so we can create a huge compilation for our final reveal! Email them to charity
Want to join the fun? You can still register here
An extra boost – weekly prizes
While being the top-stepper is prize enough, we also have a few prizes to give away thanks to the kindness of local businesses – an extra boost and element of fun.
This week’s winner has scooped a prize of ‘Junkyard Golf’ tickets – so well done!
As we head into weekend, there is plenty of opportunity to get out in the sunshine (hopefully) and make your steps count. As a little boost we can share that week two’s prize will be Coffee and Cake at Bent’s Garden Centre
Submitting your steps
Just a note on submitting steps next week. We have extended the cut-off date following feedback. Please submit your steps by 10am on Wednesday 20 May for your steps to be included.
*This date is submitting steps taken between 11 May Monday 00:00 and 17 May Sunday 23:59
Enjoying this walking challenge?
Why not keep it going with your team and join us for our flagship Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge? This year we’re celebrating Mersey Care turning 25 – and are looking for 25 staff members (or more!) to step up with us. We have 10 free places up for grabs too – all to help us reach our £25,000 fundraising target to fund projects across our services.
Find out more and register: We're heading back to the Dales! Sign up to our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge 2026 :: Mersey Care Charity
Read more Mersey Cares news:
Mental Health Awareness Week: Awareness is vital – but real change comes when we take action
Good luck Amy taking on the Mersey Cares Skydive for Mental Health Awareness Week!
Celebrating 25 Years of Mersey Care with a new fundraising target
CYPMHS Art project underway thanks to charity funding!
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