Dog walkers urged to back 20 million steps campaign at RSCPA’s BIG Walkies event at Brixworth

Organised by Northamptonshire County Council, 20 Million Steps is a campaign which aims to encourage people to become more active by going for a walk over the weekend of September 18th to 20th. Walkers are then invited to log their steps at www.20millionsteps.co.uk.

The RSPCA’s BIG Walkies event takes place on Sunday September 20 and the animal charity is asking dog owners to log their steps towards the 20 million steps target at the same time as raising money for a good cause.

The BIG Walkies event at Brixworth Country Park invites people to choose from a 3k or a 5k route and collect sponsorship for the RSPCA.

Jaymi-Lee Wilmin, fundraising manager for the RSPCA Northamptonshire branch, said: “It is great to be hosting our first BIG Walkies event. It’s a great way to get all the family members active, including the four-legged ones!

“By working together with Northamptonshire County Council, people can also record the steps they do at the BIG Walkies and record them for the 20 Million Steps challenge.

“The money raised from BIG Walkies sponsorships will go towards helping animals within Northamptonshire who have often been mistreated and provide the necessary veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and care.”

People can pick up a pedometer at Brixworth Country Park on the day which will help them count their steps.

Northamptonshire County Council is still looking for volunteers to help over the 20 Million Steps weekend by registering walkers at country parks and promoting the event in advance by circulating posters and on social media.

Volunteers must be available on September 18th, 19th or 20th, and be able to stand for long periods and carry light objects. To find out more about volunteering for the 20 Million Steps event, email [email protected].

To find out more about the RSPCA BIG Walkies event at Brixworth Country Park, visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraise/bigwalkies.