Aberdeen Childline volunteer and friends pledge to walk one million steps each to help stop child abuse and neglect
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A Childline volunteer at the Aberdeen base is leading a group of friends on a mission to each walk one million steps to raise vital funds for NSPCC Scotland.
Kintore's Laura Appleton has taken on the feat with seven of her friends, from across Scotland.
They started the challenge this month and plan to finish by the end of the year.
Childline, run by NSPCC Scotland, has provided a lifeline to many children in Scotland through the Coronavirus pandemic.
A Childline counsellor for 18 months Laura said: “I’ve been doing couch to 5k and I jokingly said to a friend I wonder how long it would take to walk one million steps?
"That turned into an idea, and with a team of seven of my friends we hope to reach that target by the end of the year.”
The challenge, which started on October 1, will see each member of the team completing almost 11,000 steps each day until December 31.
Continuing Laura said: “We all have busy lives with jobs, volunteer roles, children to look after and other responsibilities so it will certainly be a challenge to put in the steps, but it’s one we are eager to take on.
“I got into volunteering for Childline shortly after I became a parent, and I was looking into the work that the NSPCC do with new parents and how they can support them.
"Then a friend suggested volunteering as a Childline counsellor and I thought it would be a great fit with my lifestyle.
“It’s a great feeling knowing you have helped a child just by being there and listening to their problems and to have given them some advice.”
Community Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland Linda Hamilton said: “All of our fundraising volunteers have outdone themselves this year by coming up with creative and innovative ways to continue to raise money for the NSPCC.
“Laura and the team have taken on a huge challenge, and we’re all proud of their commitment to supporting the NSPCC and its vital Childline service here in Aberdeen.
“Fundraising is a great way to help us be there for children, and if anyone would like to take on a challenge like Laura’s, or come up with a fundraising idea of your own, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
If you would like to help raise funds for the charity, contact scotlandfundraising@nspcc.org.uk or visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/
Anyone who would like to sponsor Laura and the team can visit their fundraising page: https://bit.ly/3dLD7M9
Children and young people can contact Childline about any worries by calling 0800 1111 or visiting the site.
The NSPCC Helpline is available for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk.
