Gabriel Irwin, owner of Richmond-based specialist footwear retailer Foot Solutions, is walking one million steps this Autumn in aid of an important local charity.

The appeal is titled The Million Step Challenge, and the aim is to raise £10,000 for Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank by obtaining 1p per step in sponsorship.

The challenge got off to a great start on Thursday 28th September, when an estimated thirty volunteers joined Gabriel on Richmond Green to launch the appeal and each walk 10,000 steps.

A team from Nub News was there to see them off.

Gabriel explains the thinking behind the challenge: "At Foot Solutions, our 3 Step Process has helped thousands of people with mobility issues to literally get back on their feet and be able to achieve things like their daily 10,000 steps.

"We're very impressed by the amazing work Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank do in helping people with financial and social problems to figuratively get back on their feet in society. We thought a walking-related challenge would be an appropriate way to support Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank."

Gabriel and other volunteers at the walk. (Photo Credit: Cesar Medina).

A team from Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank took part in the launch, including Chief Executive, David Logan who said:

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"We're delighted to work with Gabriel and Foot Solutions on this appeal. In the last year we have provided emergency food for 6,031 people, helped 66 homeless people to access accommodation, supported 357 people struggling with the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, provided 7,727 hot meals, and through close collaboration with other vital local initiatives, supported 1,022 refugees and refugee hosts."

To date the appeal has raised £1,400. People are asked to donate via the official JustGiving page.

All funds raised go direct to Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank.