A NORTH Wales charity is setting a challenge for supporters to get fit while raising money for a worthy cause all the while.

St David’s Hospice is encouraging North Wales residents to dig out their trainers and take part in next month’s STEPtember appeal – a month-long campaign to raise funds for the charity which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Rhian Jacobs, events and campaign manager for St David’s, said: “STEPtember is a great way to up your fitness and improve mental health while helping to raise money for the hospice.

“We are challenging supporters to walk 10,000 steps each day throughout September and we are looking forward to finding out how they are getting on when they post their progress in the STEPtember community Facebook group.”

This year, the charity will need to raise more than £6.5 million to keep services operational across its three sites in Llandudno, Bangor and Holyhead.

With less than 25 per cent received from government funding, the charity relies on fundraising initiatives to help meet financial targets.

Rhian added: “The efforts of all our supporters who will be taking part in this year’s challenge are hugely appreciated and hope that they enjoy getting out and about for our charity.

“We are also incredibly grateful to challenge sponsors, Kinetic Coaching and Nutrition in Colwyn Bay.”

Kirsty Prosser, owner of Kinetic, said: “We are really proud to be sponsoring St David’s STEPtember campaign.

“Sign up today and join us as it’s a great cause, so let’s raise some money for them!”

Registration to take part in STEPtember is £5 and St David’s Hospice is asking that everyone raises a minimum of £40 throughout the month.

Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a medal and will be sent a digital fundraising pack, and have access to a STEPtember community Facebook group to post details of their progress.

To register, visit: www.stdavidshospice.org.uk/events, or call the fundraising office on 01492 879058.