Paul Bartle writes:

Brethren call me Couch Potato (Paul Bartle – Denison Lodge 1248 - Scarborough)

Definition: Couch potato, it usually refers specifically to someone who watches a whole lot of TV. From there, the phrase became an extremely popular way to talk about someone who's spent so much time in front of the TV that he seems more like a vegetable than a human being and alongside this definition is a picture of me.

One day I began to worry about my health and I was putting myself at risk of diabetes. Surprisingly, diabetes affects more people in the country than cancer and dementia combined. This is a subject close to my heart because I have seen first-hand the effects diabetes can have on the body; my mum, brother died from it and friends are living with Type 2 diabetes.

It was around that time that I came across the One Million Step Challenge. I knew that I could walk 10,000 steps in a day, but I liked the idea of being part of something that would keep me on track. I thought that if I put it out there, on social media, then I’ll have to stick to it.

The One Million Step Challenge takes place between 1 July and 30 September, and invites people to push themselves out of their comfort zone by taking one million steps over three months and getting sponsored for every stride.

I thought that I would just increase how often and how much I walked my dog…But… Reaching my daily target has been difficult some days as my job calls for me to sit in front of a PC and means I need to make sure I go for a long walk during my lunch break. Then I found I was suffering with pain in my left foot and the pain got so bad that I visited my doctor. He diagnosed that I have a fallen arches and so rest and if not wear a support. Supports purchased, I carry on with my challenge, and I would know that a particular day would be tricky, but then I would just bank extra steps beforehand so my overall total didn’t drop. I fall asleep disappointed if I don’t get my 10,000 steps in.

Seeing people pledge their support is an amazing feeling, it feels like they can see what you’re doing and they understand the value of it. I was happy and shocked at how generous my friends were in sponsoring me. It’s good to know that that the money will help a lot of people with diabetes and be put to good use.

Never underestimate the positive effect a healthy lifestyle can have on the body. Everyone has to start somewhere and, by taking part in the One Million Step challenge I am not only taking that big first step towards a happier healthier life, I am also joining others in supporting this great cause.

If any brethren would like to sponsor me then please go to my donation page at Diabetes UK: https://step.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/paul1541