Local business, Foot Solutions, is appealing for walkers to join them in a Million Step Challenge to raise badly needed funds for the Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank.

The specialist footwear retailer - based in Red Lion Street - is aiming to get 100 people to join them in walking 10,000 steps around Richmond on September 28.

The hope is that each participant will be able to raise £100 through sponsorship to support the charity's work with the hope of raising £10,000.

The hope is that each participant will be able to raise £100 through sponsorship to support the charity's work with the hope of raising £10,000.

At Foot Solutions, the 3 Step process involving Assessment, Arch Supports and Footwear has helped thousands of people improve their mobility and so complete their daily 10,000 steps.

Foot Solutions store owner, Gabriel Irwin, said: "We know that many people in the borough, some of whom have several jobs, are facing serious challenges like the cost-of-living crisis.

"We are also aware of the vital services that local charity Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank provide that help to around 7,000 people each year.

"We wanted to do something to help Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank that would involve walking and mobility. That's why we came up with idea of the Million Step Challenge.

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"If we can get 100 people to join us to walk 10,000 steps around Richmond and if each of those people raises £100 in sponsorship (it's only 1p per step), that's a million steps walked to raise £10,000 to help local people in crisis.

"If you want to help, but can't join us on the day, it's not a problem. Do your 10,000 steps in your own time and get your sponsors to donate via the JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/millionstepchallenge

Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank provide help for between 6,000 and 7,000 local people per year.

David Logan, Chief Executive of Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank, said: "We're delighted to work with Foot Solutions Richmond on the Million Step Challenge. Although Richmond is known as an affluent borough, there are many people in the area struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and other issues.

"Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank provide help for between 6,000 and 7,000 local people per year.

"In the last year we have provided emergency food for 6,031 people, helped 66 people experiencing homelessness to access accommodation, supported 357 people struggling with the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, provided 7,727 hot meals, and through close collaboration with other vital local initiatives, supported 1,022 people experiencing having become refugees or refugee hosts.

"The Million Step Challenge will provide vital funds to help people in crisis. We hope the caring and community-minded people of Richmond will support the event."

* How to take part: https://www.footsolutionsrichmond.co.uk/million-step-challenge/

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* Learn more - Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank: https://www.vineyardcommunity.org/get-help/crisis-support/