Publish date: 22 May 2026
It’s week two of the Step into Summer staff challenge and we’re so thrilled that so many people are getting involved and working with their teams to clock up as many steps as possible.
As well as providing an opportunity to look after your health and wellbeing, the challenge is a great way to connect with your team for a great cause: our very own Mersey Cares charity - and specifically for staff wellbeing projects!
Week 2 Winners
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.
In week two, together we have walked over sixteen million steps — equal to 8,229 miles — which would get us all the way from the UK to Tokyo, with miles still to spare!
Now, onto the moment you’ve all been waiting for… watch the video for this week’s winner!
Individual Steppers
In addition to the weekly winning team, we’ve also had some outstanding individual steppers who deserve a mention.
- Andy Willis - Red Hot Chilli Steppers
- Daniel Melling – Wellbeing Wanderers
- Jennifer Billingsley - Red Hot Chilli Steppers
- Anna Hardena IRAS (I Really Am Stepping)
- John Hampson - Red Hot Chilli Steppers
- Carol Owens - Quality and Compliance Team
- Liz Roberts - Mildly Hot Summer sTeppers
Last week’s Winning Team
Red Hot Chilli Steppers were delighted to scoop last year’s Top Stepper accolade – as well as win tickets for Liverpool Junkyard Golf.
Jennifer Billingsley, Team Captain of Red Hot Chilli Steppers said:
“The stepping challenge has been a great opportunity for some of us to take collective time out during the working day. It’s been really positive being able to step together, get some fresh air, and catch up as a team away from our desks. Those shared walks have been a simple but valuable boost to wellbeing and team connection.”
What we’ve raised so far – can you help us double it?
Registrations alone have raised an incredible £1,435 that will go back into supporting our staff through exciting initiatives such as Wellbeing Through Wildlife at Knowsley Safari Park. You can help us raise even more by sharing the challenge fundraising link – or your own personal fundraising page with family friends and colleagues.
Staff not taking part in the challenge but wanting to support their colleagues can also donate using this link – and help us build our Staff Wellbeing Fund so we can do bring more exciting wellbeing projects to life for staff.
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 Coffee and Cake at Bent’s Garden Centre – well done!
Winners of Week Three will have the opportunity to attend our Wellbeing Through Wildlife sessions at Knowsley Safari Park.
Submitting your steps
Please submit your steps no later than 10am on Wednesday 27 May for your steps to be included.
*This date is submitting steps taken between 18 May Monday 00:00 and 24 May Sunday 23:59
Please send us your photos!
Please send us photos or videos of your walks. – so we can create a huge compilation for our final reveal! Email them to charity
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
