The challenge
Complete the distance of 62 miles in March and raise funds for Group B Strep Support. Whether you take it on solo or with members of your household, you’ll be putting your best foot forward and starting 2021 on a high.
You can run it, walk it, jog it or do it in fancy dress. Choose your start date and log your progress on your favourite fitness app or watch and collect those vital donations.
How do I get involved?
Whether you’re new to fitness and want some motivation during lockdown, a seasoned runner or you just want to get involved and have fun, the Steps against Strep challenge is an opportunity to achieve new goals whilst fundraising to save babies’ lives. Why not nominate a friend to take on the challenge too.
No – it’s free to take part in this challenge.
- Firstly head over to our Facebook group we set up for this challenge.
- Click ‘Join Group’. Once you’re in, you can register, get tips, be inspired and find out anything you want to know about the challenge!
Just click this link to get started: https://www.facebook.com/fund/GroupBStrepSupport/
Remember to change the end date to 7 April 2021.
Facebook fundraising pages only stay open for a few days. You can change the end date of your page by following these steps:
1) Go to your fundraising page
2) Click “Edit” under the main image and headline
3) Scroll down to the box that says “Set the End Date”
4) Select 7th April 2021
5) Then click ‘Save’ in the top right.
6) Also – change the name to include ‘Steps against Strep 62 miles in March’ if you haven’t already.
No, sorry. To join the Facebook Group, you need to be over 18. Facebook fundraisers can only be set up by over 18s. If you wish to take part and are under 18 please ask a parent or guardian and fundraise through JustGiving.
There is no minimum fundraising target but we do encourage participants to set up a Facebook Fundraising page to raise money for Group B Strep Support which you can do so here. Then just share the page with your Facebook friends! You might be surprised by the amount of donations; we really appreciate every step and every penny raised to help save babies’ lives.
Facebook Fundraisers are the easiest way to raise money. You can set one up in a few seconds. And then it’s simple – just share the page with your Facebook friends!
We’d prefer you raise the money through Facebook Fundraisers but if that doesn’t work for you it’s not a problem. You can always set up a JustGiving page.
Yes of course. We do not accept cash donations, however if you do receive a cash donation, you can pay the funds into your personal bank account and make an online donation:
Donate directly onto your fundraising page.
Donate via our website. This is harder for us to be able to track but if you ask the donor to email fundraising@gbss.org.uk with your name, the date, amount of the donation and what it relates to – ‘Steps against Strep March Challenge’ we can attribute the donation to your fundraiser.
Donate via bank transfer into our account:
Account Name: Group B Strep Support
Bank: HSBC Bank
Sort Code: 40-11-65
Account number:40032816
Ref: Your Name
If you make a bank transfer please email fundraising@gbss.org.uk with your name, the date, amount of the donation and what it relates to – ‘Steps against Strep March Challenge’ so we can attribute the donation to your fundraiser.
You can download a sponsorship form.
Directly to Group B Strep Support. You don’t have to worry about this. It happens automatically.
That’s up to you, a good old-fashioned pen and paper will do or make a note on your phone. You can always ask in the Facebook group for ideas! There are loads of apps out there and you’ll get good advice in the Facebook group.
If you would like to track your steps through pen and paper, you can download and print our handy miles tracker to stick on your fridge, in your diary or on a wall, to track your progress to the 62 miles target!
Our challenge officially does not start until 1st March and you once you have received you first donation will will send you your t-shirt. Of course, if you need to then you can plan when you complete your 62 miles around your personal commitments.
Yes! There are many ways you can take on this challenge, both indoors and outdoors. All the miles you jog over the month count towards your total.
We trust you! You don’t need to provide evidence that you’ve completed the challenge to us. Updating your friends and family on your fundraising page is important! Make sure you keep them posted on your progress and share videos and photos, the more the better.
Also we’d love to hear about your progress so please do post in the Facebook group when you can.
The only thing that matters is that you challenge yourself. Do as much as you can. Every step counts.
We will be able to send you out your t-shirt once you have received your first donation on your Facebook Fundraiser.*
Not set one up? Then you can do so by clicking here https://www.facebook.com/fund/GroupBStrepSupport/
You can purchase an extra t-shirt or t-shirt for your child through our online shop here.
We understand that the UK is still under certain government restrictions. We recommend that you always follow the national and local official Government advice and adhere to the restrictions in your area, when taking on this challenge.
Why we do it
Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is the world’s leading charity working to eradicate group B Strep infection in babies. We simply can’t do it alone. We need your support. Your fundraising will help us to continue to provide essential information to families and professionals, support research, campaign for better prevention and care and give a voice to all those affected.
Ever since I learnt about group B Strep and the charity Group B Strep Support it’s been close to my heart and something I feel strongly about making people aware of. This is why I decided to challenge myself, and Miley in her buggy, to walk twice the recommended target steps per day for a healthy adult… 20,000 steps a day in March!
— Miley and me
Got a Question?
We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you have about taking on our Steps against Strep challenge. Get in touch on fundraising@gbss.org.uk or 0330 120 0795, or you may find the answer on our Facebook group!
*Please note: there could be a delay in delivery of physical medals and t-shirts.
During these uncertain times it is essential that you look after your health and wellbeing, while following the guidance set out by the Government and the NHS around social distancing and self-isolation. Therefore, please ensure that when taking part in any virtual challenges, you are doing so alone or with members of your household, and in a quiet, local area. This is especially important if you care for a vulnerable person/people. Check for the latest information here: gov.uk/coronavirus. If you become injured during your virtual challenge please cease the activity and seek medical advice.
