This summer, the STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation brought fundraising to life with creativity, courage, and community spirit through its very first, ‘Accelerator Challenge’, a charity initiative with a competitive twist.
Throughout June and July 2025, team members from STEPS Rehabilitation were each given a seed fund and challenged to turn it into a successful fundraising activity of their own. The goal: raise as much money as possible for the Foundation. The team with the highest total would be crowned the winner at a celebratory event later in the autumn.
From danceathons to skydive showdowns, here’s a look back at the creative (and often brave) ways the STEPS teams rose to the occasion:
Danceathon
On Friday, 27th June, Head of Therapies Lucy took centre stage in a 12-hour danceathon at STEPS. With her background in dance and boundless enthusiasm, Lucy twirled, shimmied, and boogied her way to a total of £1,210, raising spirits and funds alike.
Boogie & Bubbles Night
Laura, from the Admissions & Referrals team, hosted a lively Boogie & Bubbles night complete with a DJ, raffle, and plenty of dancing. The fun-filled evening brought in £1,022.
Psychic Medium Night
Michelle, Head of Housekeeping, and her team successfully wrapped up a series of charity events, raising an impressive £1,320 in total. Her fundraising efforts included a hugely popular psychic medium night which also featured a raffle and a “Guess the Teddy’s Name” competition. Alongside this, Michelle hosted two charity fun nights, all contributing to the final amount.
London Marathon
Specialist Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist Tayla laced up her running shoes and completed the London Marathon, raising £1,037. She commented:
It feels good to be able to run and help raise money for those who need it. To contribute to the STEPS Foundation and help individuals who have had life-changing injuries.
Yogathon Challenge
STEPS Team Members across departments came together for a powerful Yogathon, completing 108 Sun Salutations – a symbolic yoga milestone. The event fostered community, mindfulness, and strength, raising £1,130.
Skydiving Showdown
Toria Chan (Co-Founder & Clinical Director of STEPS) and Colette Shaw (Co-Founder & Prosthetist of STEPS Prosthetics) went head-to-head in a JustGiving fundraising battle, with the participant with the most votes taking on a 15,000ft tandem skydive.
Congratulations (and good luck) to Toria, who received the most votes and will be taking the leap this September at Skydive Hibaldstow. The competition has raised £1,000…so far. There is still time to donate.
Sponsored Body Wax – Ouch!
STEPS’ Client Liaison Coordinator’s husband, Steve, took one for the team with a hilarious and painful sponsored body wax, where donation totals dictated how much hair would go! The event, live-streamed for maximum laughs, raised £565.
Miles & Makeup
Head of Finance Fiona’s son Shane ran an incredible 31 miles in July, raising £700. Her partner James added some flair, pledging to don a dress for work if Shane hit £500 and go full glam makeup if the total reached £1,000.
Total Raised: Over £7,900 and Counting
The amazing impact of the challenge
The Accelerator Challenge not only raised thousands for the STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation, but also showcased the energy, heart, and humour of the STEPS community.
The final results – and the winning team – will be revealed at the upcoming celebration event this September.
The Accelerator Challenge is set to become an annual event for the Charity and we’re looking forward to broadening the involvement of participants from across the country in 2026.
