Hemel Hempstead man steps up to the challenge to raise hundreds for DENS

The 50-year-old has been taking part in the charity's STEPtember challenge
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A man from Hemel Hempstead has raised over £500 for DENS with the charity's STEPtember challenge.

DENS organised the virtual event to challenge participants to complete 10,000 (or more) steps each day throughout the month of September to raise money to help vulnerable local people take the next positive step in their lives.

This year, DENS want to raise even more money to continue helping to rebuild the lives of local people in Dacorum, as well as highlight the issues that homeless people face.

Chris is stepping up to the challenge to help raise money for DENSChris is stepping up to the challenge to help raise money for DENS
Chris is stepping up to the challenge to help raise money for DENS

Christoper (Rocky) Byrne, 50, is taking on the challenge to walk 10,000 steps every day for the whole of September.

Andy Roberts, from Partners In Support - who support people with learning disabilities and autism - has been supporting Chris on the his challenge.

Andy said: "We support Chris, who has a learning disability and autism, he is very active, and loves the outdoors.

"Unfortunately during lockdown he wasn't able to do the things he normally does and when we saw this challenge for DENS we thought it would be a great idea to support a great cause and help Chris get back out there and active again.

"This is a charity that is really close to his heart and he would like to raise as much money as possible for this amazing cause.

"We have been doing the challenge with him, there's myself, three others and Rocky, he's leading the way.

"We have already raised over £500 which is an amazing amount, we have been doing the 10,000 steps and more every day.

"We have had support from a lot of local businesses and the Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning, wants to meet us after we have completed the challenge.

"We had a target of £200, which we have already hit, whatever we can raise will be great for the charity and really help them with the work they do."

Chris said: "STEPtember has helped me get motivated after lockdown and get my fitness back. I also want to help people."

For more about DENS and the work they do in Dacorum click here.