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One million steps for nursing

I am Bejoy Sebastian, President of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), and I am taking on an extraordinary challenge: walking one million steps in 100 days to raise £10,000 to support the nursing community. 

As a senior critical care nurse who came to the UK from Kerala, India, in 2011, I have been privileged to advocate for nurses throughout my career, including championing the experiences and contributions of internationally educated nursing staff. Nurses across the UK walk thousands of steps every shift while caring for patients, often covering around 10,000 steps a day. This challenge recognises their dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to care.  

One million steps for nursing   

Starting on 2 October, which is also the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, this challenge reflects a shared spirit of service. Gandhi himself spent time in the UK as an international student before going on to work in South Africa, where he organised Indian volunteers to support wounded soldiers during the Boer War. His example of service and compassion continue to inspire people around the world and connects with the dedication shown every day by today's nursing workforce.  

As a senior nurse supporting nurses and healthcare support workers to return to work after long-term sickness, and as the husband of someone who has experienced the challenges of long-term illness, I know that even a little help at the right time can make a significant difference. That support can give people the confidence and security they need to recover and return to the job they love. Through this challenge, I hope to raise £10,000 for the RCN Foundation.   

Help me reach my goal 

Every donation will help support nurses and midwives experiencing financial hardship due to long-term sickness, including those who may have no recourse to public funds.

If you would like to donate, please click here. Together, we can ensure that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others receive support when they need it most. I would be grateful for your support as I take each step towards this goal and help make a difference to members of our nursing community.