A Bournemouth resident is commemorating more than 12 years of sobriety with a daily steps challenge this summer to raise vital funds for a local charity.

This summer, Bournemouth resident Emma is taking on a powerful and personal mission, walking over one million steps between June and August 2025 to raise funds for S.T.A.R (Steps To Active Recovery), a charity she founded to support individuals affected by addiction.

That’s around 17,000 steps every single day, with every stride helping to fund essential services that offer people a second chance.

Emma battled with alcohol abuse and addiction struggles for most of her early life. S.T.A.R was founded by Emma in 2020 to provide a comprehensive range of support to individuals suffering from addiction across the UK.

Through a range of delivery, including educational programs, support networks, and resources, S.T.A.R aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, discover their true identity, and embark on a journey towards active recovery.

In 2023, Emma was referred on to a BH Live Active membership by her GP to improve her health and wellbeing. Emma said;

“I’ve loved coming down to BH Live Active, Queen’s Park to try different activities and classes, including Box Fit and Pilates. Keeping healthy and active has massively improved my mental and physical health and wellbeing, and prepared me for my challenge. There’s no way I could have done this a few years ago!”

Emma continued;

“Anything is possible. When you don’t think you can do something, keep going. Because sometimes it just takes one step to change your whole life […] I’ve been able to turn my life around with the help of BH Live Active facilities and team – it’s clear they are passionate about investing in their customer’s health and happiness.”

To donate and find out more information about Emma’s Steps for STAR Challenge, visit justgiving.com/campaign/steps4star.

As a social enterprise, one of BH Live’s main social objectives is to encourage more people to participate in physical activity. This includes encouraging individuals to overcome social and financial barriers. They do this by offering free community events and open days, and concessions including specific health and wellbeing programmes – such as BH Live’s exercise referral scheme .

BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is operated by BH Live, a registered charity and leading events and venue operator.

Mary Cobbin, Centre Manager at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park shared;

“Emma’s story is a powerful example of how physical activity can play a life-changing role in recovery and overall health and wellbeing. I’m immensely proud of her heartfelt feedback towards our team and to see her using her experience to inspire and uplift others.”

More information about BH Live Active, Queen’s Park, including centre opening times and facilities, is online at bhliveactive.org.uk/queens-park.

More information about BH Live is online at bhlive.org.uk.