Big Green Walk - the virtual sponsored walk as part of Bristol's Healthy City Week

The Big Green Walk is a virtual sponsored walk taking place over 12-18 October as part of Bristol’s first ever Healthy City Week, organised by 500 more and Netwalking South West, to encourage Bristol to get walking.

500 more have designed this virtual sponsored walk and invite you to join in. Set a target, count your steps and as well as improving your health and wellbeing, you will be helping raise money for local charities.

How do I do it?

To participate in the Big Green Walk, firstly, you need to sign up. Here you can set your target and share the page on social media to help get the word out. Your friends and family can record their sponsorship on your page.

Next, you need a way to count your steps. There are several great apps for this (we’ve put a list below). Alternatively you may have a wearable device like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch. You can also buy a pedometer with an average price of £15.00.

During the week itself, record your step total for each day on the website. We’ll keep track of the total and how much you’ve raised. Once the week is over, get your sponsors to give you the money, or they can give it direct to the charities via everyclick.

How far should I walk?

For most people, 10,000 steps a day is a recommended guideline and is just under 5 miles. If you walk 10,000 steps a day, this will mean you’ll have walked over 30 miles in one week. If you can manage 140,000 steps you’ll have walked nearly 65 miles. Once you’ve set your target, get your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you. All the money raised goes to charity. Better yet, get them to sponsor you and take part themselves.

When is it again?

The week runs from 12 to 18 October 2015 as part of Bristol’s Healthy City Week. However you can register to start your steps counting from 11 to 18 October. Please complete your walking by 25 October.

Who are we raising money for?

The charities that the Big Green Walk is raising money for are:

• Penny Brohn Cancer Care helps people to live with cancer through a pioneering whole person approach. Showing people how to live well with cancer and take back control of their health and wellbeing.
• Frank Water helps to provide safe water for all. Working with some of the most deprived communities in India to provide clean safe water for drinking and sanitation.
• Linkage works with people 55+ and local communities to facilitate inspiring social activities that enrich lives, reduce isolation and loneliness and promote active participation. They want older people who may be marginalised and isolated to become active citizens taking part in their local community and most of all, having fun.
• Refugee Action stands up for people who’ve fled persecution, violence and harassment. They help asylum seekers and refugees rebuild their lives.

To introduce the process in real time and to get you started, 500 more has teamed up with Netwalking Southwest to lead a walk and talk at the beginning of Healthy City Week, on the morning of Sunday 11 October. This Harbourside Netwalk begins on at 10.30am at the Green Hub for an introduction to the nominated charities, then leaving at 11am for a two hour walk and talk discussing themes on wellbeing, walking, health and also how a wellbeing app might help you to stay fit and healthy.

Sign up for the Harbourside Netwalk on Sunday 11 October.

Sign up for the Big Green Walk.