Mum who ‘never walks anywhere’ is steps ahead in charity challenge
A WOMAN who says she “never walks anywhere” has now undertaken the challenge of walking 310,000 steps in October - and she has just 60,000 left to go.
Kindhearted Liesl Beckles, 51, from Littleborough, Rochdale, is undertaking stillbirth and neonatal charity Sands challenge to walk 310,000 steps in October to raise money for the charity, and awareness of stillbirth.
Mum-of-two Liesl, who also works as a volunteer driver for over-50s group HMR Circle, taking people to medical appointments, is doing the steps in memory of friends who lost twin baby girls to stillbirth, and other friends and family members who have suffered infant death or miscarriages.
Liesl’s two children are Ilinka, 22, and Xavier, 21.
Liesl, who also works for Touchstones in Rochdale, said: “It’s the first time I have been involved.
“I have been walking every day - I’ve got a car and it’s very rare that I walk anywhere - I am lazy, and unfit.
“If I can drive, even to the shops, I will do that.
“I walked 12 miles in one day last week - to some people it’s not a major thing but it is to me.
“My friends had twin girls that were born sleeping a few years ago.
“Recently, on the anniversary, I took something to their resting place, which was the first time I’ve been.
“It was upsetting and emotional. It’s happened to so many people I know over the years - I think it’s a lot more people than people realise.”
Liesl on one of her walks Liesl saw the Sands challenge a few days after she visited the grave and decided to do it.
She has so far raised £200 for the charity. She added: “I was so affected by visiting them that I wanted to raise awareness. I walked from Littleborough to Wardle’s scarecrow festival.
“The last walk I’m doing will be to the cemetery.
“I have a t-shirt from Sands and I’ve had quite a few people stop me to ask me about it.”
More people have pledged to sponsor Liesl when she completes the challenge.