FOR a Hexham resident, one step is small in distance, but huge in effort.

But inspired by Captain Tom Moore's walk to raise funds for the NHS, Rebecca Whitehead, who has cerebral palsy, pushed through to complete an epic 5,000 metres within 25 days.

While her disability severely limits her mobility, Rebecca was highly motivated to take on the 2.6 challenge and she targeted walking 200.6 metres every day for 25 days.

The challenge was all in aid of disability charity Livability as Rebecca is a resident at the charity’s supported living facility on the town’s Hallgate.

The challenge was part of the national 2.6 Challenge which was set up to support charities for whom the pandemic meant a massive loss of income, when big fund-raising events, including the London Marathon, were forced to cancel.

Rebecca walked 200.6 metres every day around the Hallgate garden, supported by her keyworker Paul Wall and enthusiastic housemates.

Rebecca’s condition means she does not express much in words, but when asked how she felt about the challenge she took on, she had a huge smile on her face and laughed and shouted with delight.

“200m may not sound much, but with the effort it takes Rebecca, it’s akin to an able-bodied person climbing Mount Everest on their hands and knees” said her keyworker, Paul.

“Rebecca is very motivated and this was as much about keeping morale and fitness up.

“We’re all so proud of her – friends, people who live here and family members.”

Rebecca also smashed her initial fundraising target of £260 and has now raised £1,235. Donations can be made to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rebeccas-s-2-6-challenge.