One-Million Steps Challenge Comes To The Isle Of Wight

Islanders are being invited to join a huge walking challenge next weekend, raising awareness of suicide prevention, mental health and the importance of human connection.

Mental health campaigner Matthew Holman and his partner Katie Le Flem will spend three days walking around the Isle of Wight as part of Matthew’s bid to complete one million steps in 31 days in support of The Baton of Hope.

The Island challenge begins on Friday 11 September, with a 24-mile walk from Yarmouth to Ventnor, followed by 23 miles from Ventnor to Ryde on Saturday and 22 miles from Ryde back to Yarmouth on Sunday.

Each walk starts at around 8am.

Members of the public can join them for free for as much or as little of the route as they wish — whether that’s a few miles, an hour or simply to say hello and show their support.

Matthew says the challenge is about more than reaching one million steps, with the aim of encouraging conversations and reminding people they don't have to face difficult times alone.

The wider challenge starts on World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10 September and will cover around 500 miles over 31 days.