OTs to walk 3 million steps to support brain injury recovery

Occupational therapists in Suffolk are walking three million steps to raise awareness of brain injury recovery and highlight the role of their profession.

The challenge, organised by Suffolk County Council’s occupational therapy teams, runs through September and October, with five group walks planned across the county.

It takes inspiration from Zara Dyer and Ian Brown, founders of the brain injury charity 3 Million Steps. Dyer’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury and stroke included a walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Participants will log steps over the two months, with the final step taken at Endeavour House in Ipswich on Wednesday, 5 November, during Occupational Therapy Week.

The campaign also aims to show how occupational therapy contributes to prevention and early intervention, while celebrating resilience and community support in recovery.

Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger, cabinet member for adult care at Suffolk County Council, said: “This initiative is a wonderful example of how our occupational therapists go above and beyond – not just in their professional roles, but in raising awareness and supporting causes that matter.

“The three million steps challenge is a powerful tribute to recovery, determination, and the life-changing impact of occupational therapy.

“As a keen walker myself, I look forward to joining them on a walk and adding my steps to their total.”

Last year, the occupational therapy teams joined the St Nicholas Hospice Sunset Walks to raise money for the hospice.