Join the Governors Charity Challenge & help raise £25k for the NHS!

A group of 6 people in a step-a-thon, 3 men and 3 women, walk towards the camera smiling. They are middle aged and dressed in blues and purples.

This autumn, Brighterway invites you to participate in the Governor’s Charity Challenge Step-a-thon. We’re aiming to raise £25,000 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust! Please join us for this truly special fundraising event.

📅Date: Sunday 5 October
⏰Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
📍Venue: Victoria Park, Portsmouth

Poter promoting the Brighterway charity step a thon on October 5 2025

What is the Step-a-thon?

The Governors Charity Challenge Step-a-thon is a community charity walk led by Martyn Smith, Public Governor of HIoWNHS and stroke survivor. It’s part of his inspiring personal mission to give back to the NHS.

There’s no set distance – simply set yourself a step target, get friends and family to sponsor you, and join in. Every penny raised will push us towards the £25,000 target. All ages and abilities are welcome. It’s set to be a truly memorable day!

Close up of a woman's lower legs in running tights and running shoes, walking away from the camera on a tarmac path. Other people appear in the background, which features trees and grass. The image has a warm lens flare effect to frame right.

Why Take Part?

✅ Support an incredible cause – help raise £25,000 for Brighterway to fund projects that make a real difference in mental health and community care.
 ✅ Be inspired by Martyn’s journey – after surviving two strokes, Martyn has set himself the goal of completing 52 marathons, 250 km of swimming, and 2.5 million steps in 2025. He’s already ahead of schedule! Read more about Martyn’s story and achievements here.
 ✅ Enjoy fitness, fun & history – as you walk, you’ll also benefit from a free guided historical tour of Victoria Park and its Naval Monuments, thanks to our friends at Solent Original Walks.
 ✅ Get rewarded – every participant will receive a Brighterway goody bag as a thank-you for taking part.

Six middle aged men and women walk in a group, smiling and talking, dressed in comfortable walking and running attire.

How to Join

Taking part is simple:

  1. Set your own walking goal – there’s no pressure, just walk what feels right for you.
  2. Track your steps – using a step app on your phone (like Apple Health) or a pedometer.
  3. Register your place – email phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk or call 07572 147888 to sign up.

A Message from Martyn

“The Governors Challenge is part of my recovery journey and a way to give back to the NHS, who saved my life,” Martyn passionately states. “By joining the Step-a-thon, you’ll not only help me reach my £25,000 fundraising target, but you’ll be supporting a healthier, fitter community for us all. I’d love for you to join me – let’s step forward for a brighter way.”

A smiling man in swimming goggles and swimming cap stands in a swimming pool, resting his arms on the edge.

Take the First Step

Whether you come for the fitness, the history, or the cause itself, the Governors Charity Challenge promises to be a day of community, inspiration, and impact.

👉 Register now with phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk
👉 Support Martyn’s journey and donate here: JustGiving page

Let’s step forward together with Martyn and Brighterway for our NHS.

A middle aged man in a cap stating 'The Long Road' stands in front of an Everyone Active gym with a wood facade and car park behind the man.