Carers and support staff from Walfinch Oxfordshire have collectively walked 100,000 steps, in less than one week, raising funds for  Age UK Oxfordshire .  The walk has raised £200 and a further £300 was donated by Walfinch to bring the total to £500.
 
The team from the homecare business, which provides care to people in their homes across the county, actively recorded their steps as they made their way around Oxfordshire to support their clients. Carers also invited clients to join them, where possible, to help contribute to the overall tally and achieve the 100,000 steps goal.
 
Kam Gill, founder of Walfinch Oxfordshire, explains: “Age UK Oxfordshire is a really worthy cause and one we are very proud to support with our brand-new fundraising challenge. Our carers and support team clocked-up steps and encouraged clients to be as active as possible and join us – with some joining us for a stroll around the garden or an outing in the wheelchair!
 
“100,000 steps equates to around 50 miles, which is comparable to walking from Banbury in the north of the county to Henley-on-Thames in the south. We have taken on this challenge with great enthusiasm and have really enjoyed sharing the joy with our clients as we walked our way ‘virtually’ around the county! Thank you to everyone who has kindly supported us with our fundraiser.”
 
Age UK Oxfordshire is an independent, local charity working in the community to support older people to stay independent and live life to the full. Support from donors helps the charity to provide vital advice, information, companionship, and support to thousands of people across Oxfordshire. 

Melanie Paterson, Head of Fundraising and Marketing, Age UK Oxfordshire & Action for Carers Oxfordshire said:  “It is critical that our older community have someone to turn to, particularly as we recover from the pandemic and adapt to the rising cost of living. Your 100,000 steps and fundraising efforts will ensure that local people have the friendship and support needed to get the most out of later life, providing vital specialist help overcoming challenges as they come along.

“Thank you from all the team at Age UK Oxfordshire for raising these much-needed funds that will enable us to be there, just when someone needs us.”