For those of you who didn’t know, our very own Mike Ashton, began a personal challenge on the 1st July, that was set to span 2 months, 1,000,000 steps, and an ambitious goal to raise some much needed funds for the Artz Centre organisation.
Mike set out on July 1st with a target to reach at least 17,000 steps a day, in order to stay on track and complete the challenge. He also planned to include a variety of organised walks throughout the 2 months, that Artz students, family, friends, and the wider community could get involved in.
Throughout the challenge, Mike walked the coast of Blackpool, he circumnavigated the Wirral, he walked from Lydiate to Skelmersdale, and then Liverpool to Skelmersdale along the canal; he walked to and from a whole host of locations, supported and accompanied the whole way by a growing team of his friends, family and the Artz Centre community.
The longest walk to contribute towards the 1,000,000 step challenge was the 36 miles around the Wirral peninsula, from coast to coast and back again, which Mike completed on 29th August. Accompanied along the way by friends and family, but joined the entire way, by his best mate, Ian Thompson.
However, the most emotional moment, was certainly the concluding walk of the challenge. Where Mike and over 50 of his Artz Centre family set out to walk from the Artz Centre in Birch Green, to the Artz Centre in Up Holland, and back again. Seeing Mike over the finish line with his 1,000,000th step.
The walks became much more than just a physical challenge for Mike and everybody that took part, they became a shared experience of strength and camaraderie; and an example of how, even in the hardest of times, a community of people can come together, overcome challenges, have fun, and contribute towards something extremely positive.
Mike raised an incredible £4,139 for the Artz Centre organisation with his endeavours. Every penny of which, will be reinvested into the workings of the organisation, and the incredible, creative, opportunities that the Artz Centre and the Artz Team offer for local young people and adults.