A walking football fan who lives with type 2 diabetes is tackling the One Million Step Challenge to raise funds for us and improve his own health.
Kouros Majidi, 51, (pictured) is committed to getting as fit as possible and losing some excess weight in a bid to put his type 2 diabetes into remission.
Kouros said: “I have experienced a few health issues. I had heart surgery back in 2009 and the surgeon said that I was at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. I was actually only diagnosed with the condition four years ago, but after returning from a trip to Australia in 2017 I realised I needed to lose some weight and improve my health.
“I started walking football with Cambridge United FC in 2018 and I also play for another club. When I had to stop walking football during lockdown I needed to find another activity.
“Since taking on the One Million Step Challenge I have upped my daily steps from 5,000 to around 17,000 every day and I’m addicted to my daily walk.
“My doctor told me that if my blood glucose levels continue to show significant improvement, he will take me off all my diabetes medication.”
Kouros, a retired photographic technician, hopes that by the end of the three-month challenge he will have reached his target healthy weight, and in doing so taken a step closer to his dream of putting his condition into remission.
The One Million Step Challenge runs between 1 July and 30 September, and encourages people to push themselves out of their comfort zone by taking one million steps over three months, while getting sponsored for every stride. There is also the option to walk half a million steps or a mammoth 1.7 million.
Peter Shorrick, our Midlands and East Regional Head, said:
“We’re really grateful to Kouros for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that change the lives of those living with diabetes. And during these really challenging times the support of fundraisers like Kouros is more vital than ever before.
“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. How you complete your steps is up to you. The money you raise while you do it will fund our fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.”
Sponsor Kouros and find out more about his One Million Step journey
