One step can lift your mood. Many steps can change lives.
When it comes to exercise, busy lives often get in the way of big fitness plans. Gym sessions get skipped, routines fall apart — and it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed.
At Cancer Support UK, we believe movement should feel achievable, not overwhelming. That’s why walking is at the heart of our Step Into Spring 2026 challenge: a simple, uplifting way to get active while raising vital funds for people affected by cancer.
Our Health and Fitness Ambassador, Nancy Priston, reminds us that you don’t need intense workouts to make a real difference to your health — or to others.
“When life gets busy, walking is one of the best ways to support your mood, fitness, and overall wellbeing.”
Nancy Priston, Cancer Support UK’s Health & Fitness Ambassador
Why walking works — for body and mind
Even 30 minutes of walking a day delivers powerful benefits:
- Helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Improves mood and energy levels
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Supports long-term heart health
In fact, a one-hour walk can burn more calories than a 45-minute HIIT session. So if formal workouts don’t fit into your routine right now, don’t stress — walking still counts.
And when you walk as part of a challenge, something special happens:
motivation grows, habits stick, and every step takes on extra meaning.
That’s exactly what Step Into Spring is about.
Walk with purpose this spring
Step Into Spring 2026 is a fun, flexible walking challenge that encourages you to move more — at your own pace — while supporting the 400,000 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year.
Whether you walk solo, with friends, family, colleagues, or even your dog, every step you take helps fund Cancer Support UK’s vital services.
You can walk:
- Anywhere
- Anytime
- At a pace that suits you
All while knowing your steps are helping others feel less alone.
5 simple ways to get more from your Step Into Spring walks
- Mix up your pace
Varying your walking speed can increase calorie burn by up to 20%. Try alternating between brisk walking and a slower recovery pace.
- Change the terrain
Hills, stairs, grass, gravel, or sand can raise calorie expenditure by 30% or more — and engage more muscle groups.
- Use your arms
Pumping your arms or carrying light weights (like water bottles) can boost heart rate and calorie burn by 10–15%.
- Put the phone away
Walking while scrolling slows you down and breaks focus. Enjoy the moment, your surroundings — and avoid walking into lampposts.
- Add a little fun
Mix in squats, lunges, bigger strides, or even a playful hop or jog. Walking doesn’t have to be boring to be effective.
Every step supports someone affected by cancer
Walking isn’t a “backup” form of exercise — it’s a powerful, accessible way to care for your physical and mental health. And when you walk for Step Into Spring, it becomes even more meaningful.
By taking part, you’re:
- Improving your own wellbeing
- Staying motivated with a shared goal
- Helping fund emotional and practical support for people living with cancer
This spring, step outside, step forward, and step up for others.
👉 Join Step Into Spring 2026 and start making every step count.
