One million steps for vet Amanda

Amanda Skinner will walk around 500 miles, counting each step with a Fitbit, next month, raising money for Derian House, in Chorley.The 49-year-old admits this will be no easy feat, as she has to ensure she walks about 16 miles a day, whilst carrying out her work at Withy Grove Veterinary Surgery and doing long walks after hours.Amanda, of Clayton-le-Woods, said: “My dad used to raise money for his local hospice down in Somerset and so it has become second nature to me. He said we don’t need hospice support, but others are not so lucky and that always stuck in my mind.“Derian House is a superb children’s hospice, which despite very limited public funding, provides fantastic support to families with children who have life limiting illnesses. “Their commitment and care is present at every level - ranging from the physical care, tailored to the individual needs of the child and the family, to the spiritual and psychological support at the times when the families need it most. It is truly an honour and a privilege to have them in our area.“In order to raise some money for them, I am walking a million steps in July with the aid of my trusty Fitbit. It equates to about 500 miles, and will be carried out around Bamber Bridge, Chorley, my treadmill, and wherever the mood takes me. “I’ve no set route - I’m just fitting it in around work. But at an average of 32,500 steps a day, I need to be walking about five-and-a-half hours each day. “I found that walking and using my Fitbit was a great way of getting me moving, as I had to stop running due to joint problems.“I would very much appreciate any donations. I work as one of the vets at Withy Grove Veterinary Clinic at 39, Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston. We are happy to accept donations at reception, or cheques made payable to Derian House Hospice can be mailed to me via the surgery. Alternatively I have a JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mandy-Skinner1 where anyone willing can donate and Gift Aid.“I’m aiming at £1000, but would love to take it further than this. It’s a drop in the ocean of what the hospice needs, so the more we can raise, the better.”