The Healthy Ambitions Suffolk one million steps competition has already attracted more than 135 teams from across the county. More are now being urged to join in and rise to the challenge of walking one million steps in a month, with the team which clocks up the highest total winning a Wii for use in their workplace.

To hit the target, teams of five workmates each need to walk at least 10,000 steps on five days of the week for four consecutive weeks. The competition runs until Tuesday 30 November, which means Monday (1st November) is the last day on which teams can register to be able to cover the full four weeks.

“We’re really pleased with the number of teams who have registered so far, but would still like to hear from more people keen to walk one million steps in a month,” said Rebecca Hams, Healthy Ambitions Suffolk project officer.


“The challenge is open to businesses of any size, and several larger companies have entered more than one team to help promote a sense of healthy competition in their workplace. But we’re equally keen to attract smaller businesses, and would encourage people to get their families involved as team members. That way, you’ve also got the perfect excuse to top up your steps at the weekend by going for a family walk in the Suffolk countryside.


“We would encourage anyone who is interested to sign up and start walking their way to better health. You have nothing to lose and may even stroll to victory.”

Ipswich-based company Customer Service Direct (CSD) has already entered more than 30 teams and chief operating officer Craig Anderson is enthusiastic about the challenge.

He said: “As a company, we are totally committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of everyone that works for CSD. We welcome this exciting challenge from Healthy Ambitions Suffolk not only to promote better health through walking but also as a great way to help build teamwork, encourage healthy competition and have some fun along the way.”

To register a team, visit www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk/millionsteps or follow the links from the homepage of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk website. Simply fill in the online application form to receive a welcome pack, which includes five pedometers.

The challenge can then be completed on any four consecutive weeks until Tuesday 30 November. Full rules for the competition are available on the website.