Banbury community urged to join walk from Land's End to John o' Groats - without leaving town

The Sunshine Centre on Bretch Hill has sent out the challenge complete with a map showing how they can use the area's many beautiful and varied footpaths.

Sport England has sponsored the venture, enabling walkers to receive a pedometer and a specially designed map indicating footpaths in the Ruscote area, encompassing built up areas, pocket parks and countryside walking.

Anyone tempted to join the challenge will see that the map will not restrict them to this area - they could just stroll up and down their street or walk around the whole town. Their steps will help add up to the 581.2 mile target.

Jill Edge, manager of the centre, said: "Any one can join in no matter how many steps you feel you will be able to do. Wheelchair users will be offered individual plans and targets depending upon their personal circumstances. Captain Tom has set a benchmark. The emphasis is community effort."

A well placed volunteer will be collating the miles walked and offering support to those dedicated to achieving the community goal.

Ms Edge said: “Walking is good for your physical and mental health; it is something most of us can do and costs nothing. We have been trying to think of fun activities we can offer the community without encouraging the spread of the Coronavirus.

"The walking challenge is something which will encourage residents to act together while staying apart. It is very difficult for people at this time and we hope this will serve to bring a bit of fun and sunshine to the community."

The project will be launched on the week beginning February 15. Registration is free and available now.

Please email [email protected] or ring 01295 276769 to find out how you can become a walker.

If you would like to sponsor the walkers we have a GoFundMe page, raising money to help the work of The Sunshine Centre. Look for Banbury projects and then Community Walking Challenge.