Our assistant director Mike Herrington has completed an amazing challenge for charity – walking a million steps during 2025 in aid of Help for Heroes.
Mike hit the target last Saturday with a walk in the Yorkshire Dales from Oughtershaw to Cosh Knott Well and back. As if willing him on to his goal, the weather was ideal the whole way round, turning to rain just as he got back to the car!
The walk added another 24,234 steps to his total and took Mike over the million mark to 1,005,191 steps.
Here, Mike looks back on his highlights and explains what led him to take up the challenge in the first place.
One million steps
When I served in the army back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, one of the most valuable lessons I learned was the power of teamwork. That sense of camaraderie and mutual support was essential then — and for many ex-service personnel, it remains essential long after their time in uniform ends.
Recognising this, I set myself a goal: to support those who’ve served by walking one million dedicated steps in 2025, raising funds for Help for Heroes, a charity that supports veterans facing pain, trauma, poverty and isolation.
The wake-up call
A few years ago, some colleagues at Continued Care and I took part in a charity walk for Movember. I thought I was a decent walker — until we tackled a route from Beamsley Hill to Bolton Abbey, up to Simon’s Seat, down to Barden Bridge, and back via The Strid. It was brutal. I picked up a tendon injury behind my knee, couldn’t straighten my leg, and needed help just to get down steps at dinner afterwards. I was out of shape, in pain and humbled.
But that walk lit a fire in me.
Step by step, peak by peak
Over the next few years, I took on more challenges:
• Ben Nevis, Snowdon, and Scafell Pike
• The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, both as a set and individually
• Walks across the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales
Each walk was in aid of charities close to my heart — Movember, Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Martin House Children’s Hospice, and more.
2025: The million step mission
This year, I committed to walking 1,000,000 steps — not just any steps, but ones taken on dedicated walks.
My first was on January 4th, with my mate Andy (cheers, pal!). We set off from Leck, climbing Gragareth, Green Hill, Great Coum and Crag Hill. It was freezing. I brought a pot noodle and hot water — but the cold turned it into a solid lump. Lesson learned.
The next weekend, my son joined me for a snow-covered trek from Barden Bridge to Simon’s Seat. Snow drifts were a metre deep. I fell, rolled around, and needed help getting up. But we laughed — and we finished.
Highs, lows and lessons
From the Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike (a 26–28 mile beast) to guiding friends up Ben Nevis in glorious sunshine, and Scafell/Snowdon in torrential rain and horrific winds, each walk brought new challenges. Cramp, cold, fatigue — but also stunning views, shared laughs, and the joy of helping others reach the summit.
One standout moment was guiding a colleague up Scafell Pike. She wasn’t sure she’d make it. I set small goals, encouraged breaks and kept spirits high. It took over three hours, but she did it — and the team stuck together through wind, rain and rocky descents. One of the group got blown over a couple of times due to the strength of the wind.
On another walk with the Help for Heroes crew, I lent my walking poles to someone struggling. She made it round. That’s what it’s all about — helping each other, just like we did in the forces.
The final numbers:
• Walks completed: 36
• Miles walked: 467.93
• Steps taken: 1,005,191
• Altitude climbed: 26,620m
I’ve also started ticking off hills from The Dales 30 and Wainwrights — 18 of each so far. I’ve climbed the three tallest peaks in the UK: Scafell Pike (twice), Snowdon and Ben Nevis, although not at the same time! Of these big three, Scafell is the toughest (steep and short), Snowdon the easiest (longer but less steep) and Ben Nevis somewhere in between.
Final thoughts and thank yous
Walking a million steps while juggling full-time work, family and hobbies isn’t easy. It has been hard at times and has taken a lot of commitment. I’ve walked in all weathers, from 2ft of snow at Simon’s Seat on January 11th, 34 degrees heat on July 12th, and very strong wind and rain doing Scafell in October and Snowdon in November. The longest walk was Malham to Hebden and back, which was supposed to be 26 miles, was more like 28 or so and I got really bad cramp at about mile 21/22!
one thing I’ve found is that the walks are good for the mind and mental health due to being outside in the wild without a care in the world, as they say. One foot in front of the other and a new view with every step and round every corner.
Thank you to Andrew Limbert, Lee Simpson, James Burke, Karen, Monica, Samantha and my family for coming on the walks with me. It has been great to have you along.
Thank you to everyone that has donated so far. I’ve nearly reached my £1,200 fundraising target. Please help me hit the goal by donating whatever you feel able to give here.
Every step has been worth it for the cause, for the people I walk with, and for the ones we walk for. If you see me out there, say hello. And if you’re struggling on a climb, I’ll be the one saying, “You’re nearly there. You’ve got this.”
Now to continue training and walking for my next adventure….
