By Mencap
This Learning Disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. Week (15 to 21 June), we’re rallying the nation to smash 1.5 million steps one for every person in the UK with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. .
Lace up, get moving, and bring your energy, because every stride you take fuels awareness, sparks conversations, and powers life changing support.
Join One Big Walk
Whether you’re pacing the park, storming the office corridors, or leading your own walking crew, your steps matter. Let’s turn this into a movement that can’t be ignored.
Ready to make some noise with your footsteps? Join One Big Walk and help us walk, shout, and celebrate our way to a more inclusive future.
And if you need a little inspiration along the way, we’ve got you covered. Our
Myth
A myth is an idea about something that is not true.
Busters have answered some brilliant Q and As to motivate, empower, and remind us all why taking part matters.
Freddie
Our Myth Buster Freddie is a marathon runner, outdoor enthusiast, and all-round motivation machine!
With four marathons behind him and countless miles walked with his cockapoo Bonnie, he knows exactly how to keep going when the path gets tough. Freddie’s simple tips and love for the outdoors make him the perfect person to inspire us all to get outside and get moving during One Big Walk.
What is your favourite park to walk or run in?
I like walking and running everywhere I can. When I’m walking it is usually with my cockapoo, Bonnie. I like walking in the local park, and I also like our local forest, Heartwood. Which is good for walking but too hilly for running.
Do you have lucky trainers or something special you wear when you walk?
I always wear my red cap when I walk and run; it has done thousands of kilometres over many years and is so faded it is no longer red.
What would you say to someone who wants to walk more but feels nervous?
Just do it! It will feel good when you get out, whatever the weather.
Do you like walking alone or with other people?
With other people – even Grumpy Nick (Freddie’s dad) who is slow these days.
Do you like to listen to anything on your walk?
I don’t listen to anything on headphones. When we are walking or running in the woods and countryside it is good to hear the birds.
What do you enjoy noticing on your walks?
I like looking at everything around and how it changes in the seasons.
What helps you feel good before or after a walk?
After a walk, or especially a run, I love my chocolate cookies and then a long hot shower. And then more cookies!
Jessica-Jane
Next is our Myth Buster Jessica-Jane is Paralympian, dog lover, and firm believer in the power of a good walk to unwind.
With a life built around focus, resilience, and balance, she knows better than most how important it is to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the world around you. She’s the perfect inspiration to help us all step outside and feel the benefits during One Big Walk.
Where do you like to walk your dogs?
I love to walk my dog along the Norfolk broads it’s so peaceful.
What do you enjoy seeing on your walks?
I love seeing the wildlife. If I’m really lucky, I get to see deer and owls, but I also enjoy seeing all the farm animals I walk past too.
Do you like walking alone or with other people?
I love walking with my partner, or my mum, as we get to enjoy the time together.
Do you like to listen to anything on your walk?
Just nature. I am very lucky where I live, and I get to listen to the birds in the trees while out walking.
What do you enjoy noticing on your walks?
I like trying to spot different birds or just looking for nature.
What helps you feel good before or after a walk?
Just going for a walk out in the fresh air is enough to make me feel good.
Heidi
And finally, our Myth Buster Heidi. Queen of new hobbies. If there’s a fun way to get moving, Heidi’s already tried it… and probably convinced friends to join her.
Her walks are never just walks, sometimes they’re hymn singing adventures to Sainsbury’s, sometimes they’re blossom spotting missions, and sometimes they’re friendly step‑count competitions (which she fully intends to win). She’s the perfect burst of motivation for One Big Walk.
What would you say to someone who wants to try a new activity but feels unsure?
Just take deep breaths and set an affirmation for the activity. Believe in yourself and you will go far.
What is one small thing you do on a walk that helps you relax?
When I walk to Sainsbury's for my weekly shop, I love to do hymn singing. I love hymn singing, while walking in God's creation it feels like I am praising him for the creation that I am walking in.
What is your favourite place to walk?
I love walking around the block because I can look at the beautiful blossoms.
Do you like walking alone or with other people?
I prefer walking with people so I can beat them in my steps on my step watch.
What do you like to listen to when you walk?
Sometimes I Iike listening to the sounds of nature. I also love to listen to Hannah Montana.
What do you enjoy noticing on your walks?
I normally love walking in the spring. I love seeing all the blossom and the flowers.
What helps you feel good before or after a walk?
Having a sit down and having a coffee, going to the gym, or watching a feel-good film.
Further questions about walking for charity?
For more information about One Big Walk or any of our other Mencap fundraising events, please contact us by email, or by phoning 02076 965425.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for their generous grant, funding this work.