A SOUTHAMPTON woman is taking on one million steps in aid of the Diabetes UK charity.

IT technician Alice Wethered, who works for Southampton City Council, decided to complete the challenge because her mother Felicity was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1978.

In the midst of the challenge, which begins on July 1 and ends on 30 September, Alice aims to raise funds to combat the condition, which is where the body cannot produce the hormone insulin and as a result, controls the amount of sugar in the blood for a lifetime.

She has already raised at least £297 towards her fundraising target of £500 and has tackled over 545,000 steps so far.

Alice said: “I wanted to do something positive for mum as Diabetes UK is a charity she’s helped a great deal since she retired and as an active volunteer, she’s had a variety of roles over the years for the local Winchester and Eastleigh diabetes group.

"I’m really proud of her and thought this challenge would be the ideal way for me to raise money for a brilliant cause. The challenge has been hard work - last week I completed a 17-mile walk on the Itchen Way and lost a little toenail in the process."

She added: "For anyone doing long walks, a word of advice - watch your selection of shoes and socks."

Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK regional manager in the South East, said: "We’re really grateful to Alice and Felicity for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes. The One Million Step Challenge is perfect if you want to take steps towards a healthier you. You can take on the challenge alone, or better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved.

"You can walk it, jog it or dance it. The money raised funds our fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm."

To sponsor Alice, visit https://step.diabetes.org.uk/pages/Alice-1.