Staff and residents celebrate mammoth achievement of walking more than four million steps at MHA Assisi Place retirement living

Staff and residents at a Leeds-based retirement development are celebrating after they walked more than four million steps in a virtual walk challenge.

Staff members were joined by residents to help complete the mammoth virtual walk from MHA Assisi Place to Assisi in Italy, where the development is named after.

The challenge helped MHA Assisi Place raise more than £480 which will be used towards the activities fund.

The development is made up of 45 modern apartments for rent, creating a diverse and vibrant community of residents aged 60 and over.

The total journey was more than 1,300 miles and to mark the wonderful occasion a party was organised, with pizzas, cupcakes, and prosecco going down a treat.

Julie Ratcliffe, activity coordinator said: “It's a wonderful achievement by everyone who got involved.

“All the residents who took part were delighted with their efforts and kept track of their steps which was a very proud moment for each of them.

“You could see the interest grow as the days got on, the amount of steps they were doing towards the end compared to when they started were a lot higher and I am very proud of all of them.

“I do feel this challenge has given most of them a reason to go outside and I am definitely going to incorporate walking into some of the activities I do going forward.

“The amount generated is brilliant, the support shown to what we are doing has been immense and I am already looking forward to another challenge like this.

“The funds will help us to organise plenty more activities for the residents and I am very happy with the support shown towards MHA Assisi Place.”