3.5 million steps

A local 88-year old man, Ernest Wrennall, is celebrating the completion of an extraordinary milestone of 3.5 million steps in just 12 months that has raised over £1,000 for Christian Aid.

Ernest, a retired geography teacher from Leyland and member of Leyland URC, has been supporting Christian Aid for 20 years and regularly helps fundraising activities including door-to-door fundraising.

During Christian Aid Week last May, Ernest joined supporters across the UK to raise money for those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. One of the challenges which supporters were encouraged to participate in was the 300,000 steps challenge.

Ernest decided to take the challenge to another level, he explained: “Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to do door-door fundraising. So, I decided to put my own spin on this challenge and walk 10,000 steps each day from January last year. Before I knew it, I had hit 3.5million in a year!”

It wasn’t plain sailing for the retired geography teacher. Ernest recalled some days “were a challenge when the weather was particularly unpleasant.” He added: “thankfully, the support of members from my local church helped me push through.”

Since completing the challenge, Ernest has continued taking daily steps and it is now become part of his daily routine. Ahead of Christian Aid Week in 2022, which kicks off in May, Ernest is encouraging others to “get involved in the fun and help those in need”.

Christian Aid Week – 15-21 May 2022 - this year will raise money for communities vulnerable to the climate crisis. Funds raised will help buy water taps for a community garden and build storerooms to store and preserve precious food.