We’ve answered a few frequently asked questions about our Steps for Jo’s events below. If you have any other questions about the event please do contact us on [email protected]

Preparing for Steps

What is Steps for Jo’s?

Steps for Jo’s is our annual sponsored 5k walk or 10k run, which takes place at the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week in June. It is a great way to get people together to raise awareness of cervical cancer and raise vital funds for our work; however it is also an opportunity to remember those who have lost their battle with the disease.

When and where is Steps for Jo’s?

The 2016 Steps for Jo’s event are:

Hyde Park, London – Sunday 12 June- 10.00am, Registration Time 9.00am

Dunham Massey, Manchester – Saturday 11 June- 9.00am, Registration Time 8.30am

Eglinton Country Park, Ayrshire – Saturday 11 June- 11.00am, Registration Time 10.30am

If these events are too far away from you and you’d like to organise your own Steps event, we’ll support you every step of the way. Check out our organise your own event pack and guide with lots of helpful tips to make your event a day to remember!

Who can take part?

Anyone! The event is open for men, women, children (and dogs!). Run with your friends, walk with your family or get your colleagues involved and sign up as a team. All events are also accessible for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs.

What should I do if I’d like to walk in memory of someone?

Please email [email protected] with the name of the person you’re walking in memory for. On the day of the event the walk leaders will read out the names of everyone who has sadly lost their battle to cervical cancer. Some people also choose to write the name of the person they are walking in memory of on their t-shirt or get in printed on their t-shirt. You can order a plain Jo’s t-shirt or running vest on our website.

How much training do I need to do?

Steps for Jo’s is designed to be a challenge that everyone can take part in so the level of training you do before the event is up to you! It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done anything like this before or if you’re an experience walker or runner. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way and if you would like some tips and ideas for your training check out ‘NHS couch to 5k‘ and ‘healthy eating‘.

How much do I need to fundraise?

For our official charity Steps for Jo’s events, we ask that participants aim to raise a sponsorship target of £100. For other smaller Steps events, there is no set fundraising target. The fundraising team are here to help you every step of the way to help you with your fundraising.

What materials or ideas can I get to help with my fundraising?

We have a range of materials available to help you with your fundraising. We can send you a fundraising pack in the post or you can see more of our resources here with lots of helpful tips.

We also have tshirts and a range of merchandise available so you can step in style! For more information on our fundraising resources contact [email protected]

Do children need to fundraise as well?

Children do not have to fundraise unless they would like to and there is no minimum sponsorship level for under 18’s.

We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and boots/trainers for your walk or run and bring along an umbrella, raincoat or sun block just in case you need it!

What should I wear?

Take your steps in style by ordering one of our tshirts or you can even wear fancy dress! Why not ask your friends or family to wear something pink like a tutu or funny hat!

How long will it take to do the walk?

5K is just over 3 miles. A 5K walk usually takes between 50-70 minutes but you can go at your own pace and take all the time you need. You may like to have a leisurely walk with your family or perhaps you want to try and get your best time!

Can I volunteer at Steps for Jo’s?

Absolutely! We would be delighted for you to join Team Jo’s and become one of our ‘Steps Stewards’. Our volunteers will help support walkers around the route, hand out medals and make sure everyone has a great time! If you would like to get involved please contact [email protected] for more information.

On the day

Is car parking available?

Car parking will be available at the Manchester Steps for Jo’s event and you will be provided with a complimentary car park slip for the day.

The Ayrshire Steps for Jo’s event also has parking available on site.

For the London event, there are several NCP car parks in the area and the nearest tube station is Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line) or Marble Arch (Central Line).

Are lockers available?

There are unfortunately no lockers available at our London Steps for Jo’s event. We will have a member of staff at our supporter hub site if you would like to leave any belongings behind whilst you walk, however these will be left at your own discretion.

There are no lockers at the Manchester or Ayrshire event.

Are there toilet facilities available?

Yes. Please note there is a 20p charge for use of the toilets in Hyde Park.

What support will I be given on the route?

Our Steps Stewards will be there to cheer you on and give you lots of support along the way! Give them a high five as you go around the course and if you have any questions, they will be there to help you.

Will I have to bring snacks/water?

We will have water and some snacks available in your goody bag however, we recommend that you bring along some lunch and water to carry with you. Why not bring along a picnic to share with your friends and family after the walk/run?

Will there be anything else at the event before or after the walk/run?

At the London event we will have a warm up session before the main event.

At all of the events you will have an opportunity to write on a Steps tag and add it to our supporter tree to show why you are taking part.

After all of the events we will have fun activities for the whole family at our supporter hub!

Will I get a medal?

Yes, each participant will receive a medal to take away with them so you can show all your friends and family how you helped to take steps towards a future free from cervical cancer!