Ashgate Hospicecare is calling on people across North Derbyshire to set themselves a lockdown challenge by signing up for its newest fundraise-at-home event.

Supporters are being invited to take part in Step into Spring where they’ll go head-to-head virtually to complete as many steps as possible throughout March.

Whether it’s setting a target of 10,000 daily steps or accumulating 50km across the month, taking part in the fundraising challenge will help fund Ashgate Hospicecare’s vital care for patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

Participants can run, walk or even skip towards their target distance whilst going up against friends, family and colleagues in the online league table.

Among those signed up for the event already is Kate Redhead, who has set herself a target of running 7.5km everyday in memory of her mother-in-law Lynda Redhead, who was cared for by the hospice.

Kate, aged 32, from Chesterfield, wants to give back to Ashgate after the “wonderful comfort and care” Lynda received – particularly as the charity has lost vital funds since the pandemic outbreak.

She said: “I can’t wait to take part in Step into Spring next month! I think it’s a fun way to keep active during the lockdown whilst helping raise money to help fund Ashgate’s care.

“The challenge gives you control over how many steps you would like to do – I have set myself quite a high target but I’m hoping this will encourage my friends and family to sponsor me.

“I often have low self-esteem so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can achieve when I set my mind to something.

“Ashgate Hospicecare cared for my mother-in-law before I’d met my husband, so we never got to meet but knowing how much the loss of Lynda affected him has motivated me to support the hospice.

“I now care very deeply about the hospice because of the comfort, care and compassion they brought to my family during some very dark times.”

Everyone who registers for Step into Spring, which is £7 for over 13s and £5 for under 13s, will receive a special edition medal and a running vest.

Participants can choose to use mobile phone app Strava to track their activity, but it’s entirely up to them

With its shops temporarily closed and larger fundraising events cancelled or scaled back, the event is a great and active way to support the hospice at an important time.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare is delighted to be launching our new virtual Step into Spring event and registration is now open.

“We know how difficult the lockdown has been for so many people so wanted to organise an event that will give our supporters a spring in their step throughout March.

“It’s a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family whilst keeping active during the lockdown, plus you’ll be helping us raise vital funds so we can continue caring for terminally ill people and their loved ones.

“And don’t worry, there’s no pressure on how many steps you need to do, it’s up to you to set your own targets – whether you run 230km like Kate or walk 2,000 steps on your lunch break, your efforts will mean so much to us and the families we support.”

All activities must be done in accordance with the latest COVID-19 government guidance.

To find out more about the Step into Spring fundraising challenge and how you can take part go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/events

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.