Glasgow residents are being challenged to kick start the New Year by taking steps to support Cancer Research UK.

The charity is urging people to sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer and get sponsored to walk 10,000 steps every day in March.

By raising vital funds, people across Scotland could help to further life-saving research - while burning off any excess Christmas calories.

Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.

"That’s why we’re urging people to play their part by making Walk All Over Cancer their New Year’s resolution.

“We all hope that 2022 has a more positive outlook.

“There’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge in March and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps, especially if you’re struggling to hit your daily step count when working from home.

“Sticking to a resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark winter months, but registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the spring, could help people steel their resolve.

"Plus, there’s the ultimate motivation of knowing every step you take will be helping to save lives.”

Based on the average person’s strides, 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, so by the end of March participants will have clocked up more than 150 miles.

That’s quite a challenge for some, but adopting small changes that you can stick to can really add up – whether it’s doing conference calls on the go, exploring local beauty spots or treating the dog to a month of extra-long walks.

Walk All Over Cancer participants can connect their online giving page with FitBit to automatically publish their step count and share their progress with their supporters throughout the month.

Through the pioneering work of scientists and clinicians at our CRUK Glasgow Centre, the charity is determined to make a difference for people with cancer in the city and beyond.

Linda added: “Cancer Research UK has been hit hard by Covid-19, but we will never stop striving to create better treatments.

"With around 33,200 people diagnosed every year in Scotland, cancer is as urgent an issue now as it’s ever been.

“We need as many people as possible to Walk All Over Cancer, because the progress we make in the fight against the disease relies on every step, every pound and every person.

“This past year proves, more than any other, the value of research and what can be achieved together.

"Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer.”

Cancer Research UK was able to spend more than £30 million in Scotland last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

The charity’s ambition is to see three in four people survive their cancer by 2034.

To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack and t-shirt, visit cruk.org/walkallover.