The 500 Mile Story

500 Miles. 34 Weeks. One unfit, ageing Brummie who should know better…
One important cause.
Because no one should be left out of the story.

This fundraiser was originally set up on Facebook and the wording below is the original post. For completeness I should point out that in the first week I did 18.2 miles and in the summer heat it was a real challenge. My phone tells me that I normally average about 2000 steps per day, until 5th August since then I have done 26,600 steps in 8 days.  I know for some people this is chickenfeed, but for me it has been a real struggle. Think not where I am at, but the change from where I was. So back to the original wording…………………….           I’m about to take on something that feels both exciting and daunting.
From 5 August 2026 to 31 March 2027, I will be walking 500 miles to raise money for Actcessible.

For some people, that might sound like a fun challenge. For me, it’s a genuine test. I’ve spent most of my working life behind a desk as an accountant, and exercise has never been my strong point.

But this challenge isn’t just about fundraising. It’s about stepping outside my comfort zone, proving to myself that change is possible, and reminding myself that it’s never too late to start. And yes… I’ll be finding out whether I really can walk 500 miles.

Why Actcessible?
Because I believe in something very simple:
No one should be left out of the story.

Actcessible uses theatre, creativity, education and technology to remove barriers and create opportunities for disabled people and others who may otherwise be excluded. It isn’t about doing things for people; it’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part, contribute and belong.

The more I’ve become involved with Actcessible, the more I’ve realised that accessibility isn’t something that only matters to “other people”.

The truth is that every one of us could be just one day, one accident, one illness, a mental health challenge… or simply one birthday… away from experiencing the world very differently and needing a little more understanding, support or accessibility than we do today.

Accessibility isn’t about them. It’s about all of us.

Why your support matters
Every pound raised will help Actcessible continue creating opportunities, developing accessible resources, supporting inclusive projects and ensuring more people can take part in life instead of watching from the sidelines.

Whether your donation buys resources, supports a workshop, helps train volunteers or enables someone to experience something they otherwise couldn’t, it really does make a difference.

Every donation, whatever its size, helps write the next chapter.

Walk with me
I’d love your support, whether that’s through a donation, words of encouragement, or by joining the challenge yourself.

You don’t have to walk 500 miles. Walk 5. Walk 50. Walk with your family. Walk instead of driving, or just park that bit further away. Wheel, cycle, swim or choose a challenge that suits your own circumstances and abilities.

If you’d like to raise money for Actcessible too, why not create your own fundraising page and become part of The 500 Mile Story?

If fundraising isn’t for you, simply share your progress, post your photos and cheer everyone else on. Together we can build a community where every step encourages someone else to take theirs.

I’ll be posting regular updates throughout the challenge—the good days, the difficult days, the blisters, the smiles and, hopefully, the milestones as I work towards 500 miles by 31 March 2027. The miles themselves are only part of the story.

My hope is that together we’ll raise funds, inspire others to get moving and help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong and thrive.

So, with trepidation, determination and a light sprinkling of realism, “I would walk 500 miles…” … and every single one of them will be for Actcessible.

Because…
No one should be left out of the story.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your support.

Now… I’ll stop the talking, get planning and then from Wednesday start walking.