5 million Steps for Bone Cancer Research Trust
Our esteemed colleague, Dave Cosgrove, successfully completed his ambitious challenge of walking five million steps in 2024, raising vital funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Dave’s journey, which began on 2nd January 2024, has not only motivated his colleagues and friends but also inspired many to get active and support a crucial cause.
Celebrating Dave’s Achievement
On Friday 27 September, staff and students gathered at North Notts College to celebrate Dave’s achievement as he crossed the 5 million-step mark. An event that saw a large turnout of well-wishers who cheered and applauded Dave as he completed his final steps. The celebration marked the culmination of months of dedication and perseverance, all in aid of an incredible cause.
A Cause Close to His Heart
Dave’s steps have been raising funds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust, a charity dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes for individuals affected by primary bone cancer. Despite being a smaller charity, the Bone Cancer Research Trust is the leading funder of primary bone cancer research in the UK. In 2023 alone, they committed £807,824 to pioneering research aimed at saving lives. The trust plays a critical role, especially considering that other large cancer research organisations dedicate only a fraction of their funding to bone cancer.
Thanks to the support of the RNN Group and the wider community, Dave has raised an impressive £1,300 of his £1,500 target. His efforts will directly support the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s mission to improve survival rates and enhance the lives of those affected by bone cancer. Although Dave has completed his challenge, donations are still open. To contribute, visit his JustGiving page here.
RNN Group’s Participation
Throughout the year, Dave’s challenge became a group effort, with 39 staff members joining wellbeing walking groups to track their steps alongside his. These groups have made tremendous progress, with the step counts as of today standing at:
- Dearne Valley Dawdlers: 1,214,845 steps
- Rotherham Ramblers: 1,437,341 steps
- Worksop Waddlers: 1,376,479 steps
Wellbeing Walks
RNN Group’s wellbeing walks have played an important role in supporting Dave’s challenge while promoting physical activity among staff. These walks continue to take place weekly across campuses:
- Dearne Valley College: Mondays at 12:00 PM and Wednesdays at 12:30 PM.
- Rotherham College: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:20 PM, departing from Rotherham Civic and circling Clifton Park.
- North Notts College: Fridays at 12:00 PM, meeting at reception.
Each walk lasts between 40 and 50 minutes, but participants can join for a shorter duration if needed. These walks have proven to be an excellent way to stay active, socialise, and contribute to a worthwhile cause—even during the colder months.
5 Million Steps as #OneTeam
RNN Group also set a collective goal to support Dave, aiming to reach 5 million steps in 2024. When completed, the group will donate an additional £100 donated to the Bone Cancer Research Trust. To date, the team has made remarkable progress toward this goal, and with continued commitment, they are well on their way to hitting the target.
Thanks to Dave’s dedication and the support of his colleagues, this initiative has brought awareness to the importance of physical activity and wellbeing, all while supporting a life-saving cause. The entire RNN Group community can be proud of what has been achieved—and the journey is far from over!