Step Up to Sepsis

Make every step count this September with your workplace.

This September, we’re inviting businesses across the UK to join Step Up to Sepsis – a nationwide corporate step challenge that brings colleagues together to raise awareness of sepsis while supporting our life-saving work at the UK Sepsis Trust.

From 1st – 30th September 2026, get your workplace into teams to walk, jog, or run to boost your collective step count and compete against businesses across the UK. Teams can take part for a minimum of one week or challenge themselves throughout the whole month.

You don’t need to be a marathon runner or a serious stepper to take part. Whether you average 3,000 or 30,000 steps a day, this challenge is designed for everyone. It’s a great way to get involved, raise awareness, and support people affected by sepsis.

A group of six people pose together outdoors on a grassy lawn in a park-like setting with leafless trees in the background. Several people are wearing bright red hoodies or red clothing, while others wear dark coats and jackets. Some have small red face-paint designs on their cheeks. The group stands close together facing the camera, with an overcast sky and other attendees visible in the distance.

How the corporate step challenge works

1. Register your company

When: 1st-30th September 2026

Once registered, you’ll receive an email from us with everything you need to get started.

2. Get your teams moving

Get into teams of five and start tracking your steps!

Every movement involving steps counts, including:

Walking or running – get creative with active commuting or walking meetings as part of your corporate walking challenge.
Any exercise session or workout.
Daily activities or household tasks.
Time outdoors with family, friends, or colleagues.

Employees can track steps using their preferred device or fitness app.

3. Submit your company’s total steps

After completing your challenge, make sure you submit your company’s final total step count by the end of September.

4. Climb the national leaderboard

Once you submit your total count, you can compete against businesses across the UK!

Prizes will be awarded for the company that raises the most funds and the business that achieves the highest step count.

A group of people walk along a wide path in a park lined with tall trees. Three people in the foreground wear coats, leggings, and patterned neck scarves, while other participants walk and jog behind them. A gazebo is visible in the blurred background, and the overcast weather gives the scene a cool, early-spring atmosphere.

Why businesses should take part in a charity step challenge

Step Up to Sepsis is more than a corporate fitness challenge – it’s an opportunity to bring employees together while supporting an important cause.

By taking part, you’ll:

Encourage healthier habits at work and support employee wellbeing.
Boost employee engagement by bringing colleagues together through friendly competition.
Strengthen team building across office-based, remote, and hybrid teams.
Raise vital awareness of sepsis and help save lives.

Learn more about sepsis

FAQs

How do employees track their steps?

Employees can track their steps using a smartphone, smartwatch, fitness tracker, or a free app like StepUp, or by using a workplace leaderboard to help your team stay motivated!

What happens if someone forgets to record their steps?

Don’t worry if you forget to track your steps. We trust you, so under our step challenge rules, you can still add them to your team’s final total. We recommend setting reminders to help your team track their steps throughout the challenge! Don’t worry if you forget to track your steps.

Can employees join after the corporate step challenge has started?

Yes! As long as you can commit to at least one week during September, you’re welcome to join in.

How will our fundraising help the UK Sepsis Trust?

Every donation helps us keep supporting people affected by sepsis. Sepsis is a serious condition that claims 48,000 lives each year in the UK, making early recognition and awareness more important than ever. Find out more about how your contribution makes a difference here.