What is the 10,000 Steps a Day in March Challenge?

It really is as simple as it sounds! It is a challenge for you to reach 10,000 steps a day and raise money and awareness Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Join other DSAA supporters in taking on 10,000 steps a day throughout March. You can complete your steps however you like - walk, run, hop, hike or skip! The important thing is getting out and improving your fitness while supporting Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Can I do more/less than 10,000 steps a day?

Absolutely. This challenge is for everyone. Every mile you complete will make a difference. We want the 10,000 steps a day target to be more of a guide for you to work with – it will be the perfect distance for many but might not suit some and that’s ok! Please adjust your target to suit your ability.

Do I have to do 10,000 steps every day?

No! You have the whole month of March to complete your steps and can adjust your daily target to suit your lifestyle and what best suits you. Some may choose to do 6,000 steps a day Monday-Friday and then more at the weekend to make up the numbers. The best way to complete the challenge is to break down the 310,000 steps across the whole month.

Is it free to sign up?

Yes! It is completely free to sign up for our 10,000 Steps a Day in March Challenge. Participants are required to fundraise or donate to DSAA through their Facebook Fundraiser or any other platform they are choosing to fundraise through e.g. JustGiving.

Can I start earlier/later than the 1st March?

We encourage everyone to complete this challenge throughout the month of March but as this is a personal challenge, you can start/finish your challenge at a time that is convenient for you. So, if you would like to get a head start, go for it! Complete your steps whenever you like to best suit your lifestyle.

How can I track my steps?

10,000 steps a day is the equivalent of 8km, or 40-60 minutes of walking, depending on your stride length and speed. We’ve created a paper tracker for you to tick off your steps as you go. We will send this out to you with your t-shirt. Make sure you take a picture and post your progress in the Facebook group!

Can I track my steps digitally?

Of course – we know many of you will have smart watches or FitBits that can be used to track activity and lots of phones have inbuilt activity tracking systems to help you monitor your progress. There are apps which can be downloaded such as Strava to track activity on your phone using GPS. Remember to share screenshots of your activities in the Facebook group as you go!

Join our Strava Club

Do I need to provide evidence that I have completed the challenge?

You don’t need to provide evidence that you’ve completed the challenge to us, however updating the Facebook group with photos of any activities you complete during the month is important. Supporters who regularly post their progress raise on average 40% more.

What do I do if the weather is too bad outside?

It’s not unusual for the weather to be unpredictable. It’s important that you have the right equipment and top tips if you’re out during adverse weather. Alternatively, it’s more than okay for you to complete the steps inside on a treadmill, at home or the gym, if that’s an option for you.

When taking on adverse weather, remember to check your route and know your trail.  

There’s always a chance you’ll be caught off guard in bad weather whilst out and about, see below some useful equipment to consider:

• Waterproof clothing
• Correct footwear for your activity
• Warm clothing and layers (thermals, gloves, hats, fleece, long trousers)
• Water and food  
• Mobile phone

How do I fundraise? 

The best way of fundraising for the 10,000 Steps a Day in March Challenge is to set up a fundraising page via Facebook. We’ve made this process simple to do – please click here to create your page, it will only take 30 seconds! It's then easy to share the page with your friends to gather sponsorship for your challenge.

Sign up and activate your fundraising page

Why should I take part?

The money you raise will enable us to be there for patients when they need us the most.

Last year, our crew were tasked to 2,424 incidents; with each mission costing approximately £3,500. Operational for 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, they work tirelessly to save lives.

Your support will enable us to be there be there for patients today, tomorrow and in the future. Learn more about the charity and our life-saving work, visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/about-us

Do I have to fundraise to take part? If so, how much do I have to raise?

No, you don’t need to fundraise to be a part of the challenge but we would love you to and highly encourage that you do. Why? It will give you motivation to complete the challenge and it is good way to engage your friends and family with the important work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

There are no minimum fundraising requirements, each fundraising page has a default target of £150 but you’re welcome to edit this to a more suitable target.

Can I still take part if I don’t have Facebook?

Yes, of course! We understand that not everyone is on Facebook and would hate for you to miss out. Please contact: [email protected] and we will organise your free t-shirt and get you set up with a JustGiving fundraising page or offline sponsorship forms.

How and when are the donations sent from Facebook to your charity?

Facebook’s payment processing cycle is every week, so we don’t wait long to receive your funds.

Can someone donate if they don’t have a Facebook account?

Yes! Anyone can donate via Facebook, regardless if they have an account or not. Share your fundraising page’s direct link and they can enter their details. Alternatively, you can use our sponsor form for offline donations – it would be easier to pay these directly to your page once you’ve received them. Contact: [email protected] if you need any help in doing so.

I’ve shared my fundraising page but no one has donated – is there anything I can do?

The easiest way to prompt your family and friends to support your challenge is to directly invite them to your fundraising page. Click on the invite button and select who you think is likely to donate. We are aware that this is a difficult time to be asking for sponsorship so please just ask your network to donate if they are able to – we really do appreciate any support.

I have set up a Facebook fundraiser but now I can’t find it?

To find your Facebook fundraising page, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Newsfeed
2. Look on the left side of your screen for the ‘Explore’ section
3. Under the Explore section, click the ‘Fundraiser’ tab
4. Your fundraising page should appear here

Can I amend my Facebook fundraiser?

To amend your fundraising page, please follow these steps:

If you are using a phone/tablet:

1. Open your fundraiser
2. Press the pencil button
3. Press ‘edit fundraiser’

If you are using a laptop/desktop:

1. Open your fundraiser
2. Press the three dots
3. Press edit fundraiser

How do I order my free t-shirt?

Simply complete this form and we send your t-shirt out to you! Please note you will also get a Facebook fundraising page once you’ve submitted your t-shirt request.

Sign up and request your free t-shirt

Can I receive a t-shirt without creating a fundraising page?

Unfortunately, this isn't possible. 10,000 Steps a Day is a charity fundraising event. This is why we have chosen to only send out a free t-shirt and tracker to people who are interested in raising money for DSAA. It also reduces our costs and carbon footprint.

I don’t want a t-shirt, what should I do?

You can sign-up to this challenge without having to receive a t-shirt! When you sign up, we’ll ask you for your t-shirt size. Instead of selecting a size, just select ‘I don’t require a t-shirt’ from the drop-down menu. You can then continue signing up to the challenge and we won’t send you a t-shirt.

When will my t-shirt arrive?

You will receive your free t-shirt once you have completed the registration form and set up your fundraising page. We will be posting t-shirts out once per week, so expect to receive yours in 10-14 business days!

My t-shirt hasn’t arrived yet, what should I do?

If it has been more than 14 days since you registered for your t-shirt and you’ve still not received it, please email: [email protected] and we will chase this up for you.

Will I get a medal?

Unfortunately, medals come at a huge cost to the charity so we will not be sending these out. However, we will send out downloadable digital medals to shout about your achievement on your social media.

Please take note of the following before signing up to the challenge:

• If you have any underlying health conditions that may affect your ability to participate, we recommend you seek appropriate medical advice before proceeding.
• Never put yourself at unnecessary risk completing any activity.
• Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Always use appropriate equipment safely and be considerate of others when completing your challenge.
• The legal bit: You enter the challenge entirely at your own risk and so far as permitted by law, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to you or your property that might occur as a result of your participation.