Digby Brown smash #OneMillionMeso step challenge alongside asbestos charities

Thursday 8th April 2021
One million steps for Mesothelioma 2021 fundraising challenge

Last week our Industrial Disease team along with staff and volunteers from Asbestos Action and Clydebank Asbestos Group, pledged to walk one million steps to mark Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2021 – and today we are proud to confirm they beat that target!

A team of around 25 walkers aimed to walk 140,000 steps every day between April 1-7 with the added hope of raising £3,000 for support groups Clydebank Asbestos Group and Asbestos Action.

But a keen and passionate start – helped by the Easter weekend sunshine – meant the one millionth step was logged just halfway through the challenge at 10:34am on Sunday 4 April.

However rather than sit back the team decided to set a new target of 1.7million steps in recognition of the 17 years that Global Asbestos Awareness Week has been in place.

Now, with the challenge over, the final tally stands at 1,899,570 steps. There is still time to donate to both charities through the Just Giving page.

John Fearn, Manager of Asbestos Action, said: “Thanks to all. A really impressive total.

“At a time when the charity's donations have been hit hard it is most welcome.”

And Theresa Jones, Manager at Clydebank Asbestos Group, added: “Everyone associated with Clydebank Asbestos Group would like to thank all of those involved in 'The One Million Steps for Meso' challenge.

“Our combined efforts with Asbestos Action Tayside and Digby Brown Solicitors have seen us take over 1.7million steps in aid of Mesothelioma. Not only have we reached our goal in steps and donations (over £3000.00) - we have exceeded both! What an amazing way of marking 17 years of Global Asbestos Awareness Week.

"It has also been a great achievement in spreading the word - MESO - in the hope it encourages a national conversation about this deadly disease.

“A huge thank you to all the walkers and supporters, and particularly to Digby Brown for organising this challenge and willingly taking part.”

The team was delighted to take part in the challenge with many taking photos while boosting their steps:

A picture of Dumbarton Rock Castle
A picture of two people taking part in the one million steps for meso wearing fundraising t-shirts
John Fearn from Asbestos Action taking part in one million steps for meso
Old Dumbarton bridge
A woodland walk through Stirling University Campus

Fraser Simpson, Head of the Industrial Disease team, said: “First and foremost I’d like to thank everyone who donated over the last few weeks as your support really goes a long way to helping the work, campaigning and services of two vital charities.

“With such a high volume of walking – especially after working from home and sitting at a desk for a long time – there were times our feet and legs started to feel wobbly but seeing the totals for our step count and the Just Giving page increase really inspired us all to keep going.

“That’s why we’re all over the moon – especially seen as we surpassed the initial target and the second one as well.

“Finally thank you to all our walkers for taking on the challenge in the first place who have undoubtedly earned a day or two to put their feet up!”

The team’s Just Giving page is still open for any who still wish to donate.