A Cumbrian hospital chaplain has set a new world record for walking the equivalent distance of Carlisle to Brussels.
Ian Newton is now a world record holder for the One Million Steps challenge.
Ian, who works for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, completed his walking challenge on day 24 averaging 41,000 steps – or 20 miles a day.
Ian broke the record by three days – the previous record holder from Melbourne, Australia, had completed the challenge in 27 days.
Earlier this month, Ian signed up for the 100 days, 500 miles One Million Steps challenge: A celebration of movement and wellbeing, supporting the North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity.
Ian said: “Providing resources to support patients and staff is a privilege. I went out for a walk most mornings at 4am to get the steps in before going to work at the Cumberland Infirmary. I walked to vaccine hubs where I also work to get the steps in. On one day off I walked 73,631 steps. I wanted to give my best for these amazing people.
“I was inspired by people like my wife Sharon, who like so many others, is a dedicated nurse. If my colleagues can work 14hr+ days and at times in full PPE, then anything I did was a walk in the park. My father worked 40 years in the NHS. It is people who keep going and demonstrate amazing resilience that inspired me on the cold, dark, wet days.
“It is fantastic to see the incredible team spirit of people working together no matter the challenges they face. If anyone wants to see an example of commitment and service, look to those in the NHS who have and continue to shine in the darkness. I am proud of them.
“I appreciate the generosity of those who have given donations. Their kindness is also an encouragement. Thank you to everyone for their support and best wishes.”
Record-breaker
Ranjit Ghoshal, founder and director of One Million Steps, said: “We just cannot believe this! Our previous record holder in Melbourne, Australia completed his challenge in 27 days.
“We at Millionsteps.com never thought someone would complete 500 miles or a million steps any quicker. Ian hit a record-beating 24 days and averaged about 41,000 steps/20 miles a day.
“That is really something, especially for someone who already gives so much of his time to his community, volunteers in vaccine centres and also has his parish duties. Just an incredible achievement!”
You can sponsor Ian and congratulate him on his success here: https://millionsteps.com/donate/3201
Ian is no stranger to challenges, last year he took on Captain Sir Tom Moore’s 100 challenge and aimed to undertake 100 volunteer vaccination shifts. Having served as a steward he paid to train as a volunteer vaccinator and exceeded his aim by completing 152 volunteer shifts.
Ian took up walking during the first lockdown and lost an incredible six stone in weight. This has prompted him to take on his latest challenge to raise funds for the local NHS and he hopes he will inspire others.
NCIC is working with Cardiff-based start-up Millionsteps.com who are on a mission to allow organisations of all sizes to launch full health and well-being challenges for staff and supporters of social good causes.
North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity is the official charity that supports Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital. The charitable fund helps improve the experience of patients and their loved ones.
Find them at:
https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/trust/north-cumbria-hospital-nhs-charity
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