Four teams and 2 individuals from STEPS Rehabilitation showed their competitive side when they entered the Foundation’s summer ‘Accelerator Challenge’. Some armed with a starter fund of up to £250 each, the teams set about a wide variety of fundraising activities to grow their seed fund into as much as possible with the goal of a minimum of £1,000.
The teams truly gave it their all — blood, sweat, and maybe even a few tears went into their fundraising! Activities included an epic 12-hour danceathon by STEPS’ Head of Therapies, Lucy Wright. Despite her background as a professional dancer, Lucy felt the effects for weeks, losing two toenails as a result of the challenge.
Slightly less physically demanding was a lively ‘Gin and Boogie Night’ organised by Admissions Administrator, Laura Gayle and her husband , DJ Kenty. Other fundraising events included a painful (and presumably now itchy) full body wax, Yogathon, Psychic Medium Night, and a monumental effort from Occupational Therapist, Tayla Brons, who ran the London Marathon.
Directors Toria Chan (STEPS Rehabilitation) and Colette Shaw (STEPS Prosthetics) went head-to-head in a vote to see one of them participate in a tandem skydive. Toria secured the most votes, and she’s just waiting on a day of good weather to enable her to complete her jump.
In total the Accelerator Challenge raised a fantastic £8,127.34 for the STEPS Rehabilitation Foundation which will go towards helping individuals who have suffered life-changing injuries and illness. A huge congratulations to the winning team – ‘Imagining Winning’ who smashed their target and raised a whopping £3,868.50.
All participants celebrated at a prize giving ceremony at the Gin Bar in Abbeydale Road. A specialist thanks to the owner Becky and team for their support during the challenge.
A massive congratulations and thank you to all Accelerator challenge participants: Tayla Brons, Laura Gayle, Michelle Hardman, Beth Smith, Charlotte Lowe, Diane Shaw, Tom Ridge, Helena Turner, Bethan Jones, Olivia Espley, Jenny Lloyd, Nazia Khan, Phoebe Davies, Laura Powell, Lucy Wright, Vicki Ridgewell and Fiona Whincup.
If your company would like to take part in the Accelerator Challenge 2026 please contact Mel at meltarrant@stepsrehabilitationfoundation.org.uk for further information and to register your interest.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your fundraising ideas!
