Forces widow takes on month-long 280,000 Steps Challenge in honour of her fallen husband and the charity that supports her children
“I want to give back to the charity that has done so much for my boys in such a short space of time”
Armed Forces widow and mother of two, Jo-Anne Shipstone, from Lincoln, is setting herself the arduous task of completing 280,000 steps throughout February to help raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that has offered integral support to her twin boys following the death of their dad just seven months ago.
Jo-Anne, George and Alfie at the 2021 Remembrance Day parade
Jo-Anne’s husband and father to her two children, Lance Corporal Wayne Shipstone, died in June 2021. He was dedicated to the Armed Forces and had previously served in the RAF and the Army. He left behind his twin boys, Alfie and George, who had just turned 11 years old.
Wayne, Alfie and George
Since August last year, both Alfie and George have been supported by bereaved Armed Forces children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers. The charity was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott and offers support to children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in 2009, had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
As a way of giving back for everything the charity has done for her boys throughout this incredibly difficult time of their lives, Jo-Anne has decided to take part in the 280,000 Steps Challenge. The fundraising event has been organised by Scotty’s Little Soldiers and encourages participants to set themselves the challenge of completing 280,000 steps before the end of February.
Jo-Anne (45), who has recently taken up running, thought setting herself a challenge for the month would be a good way to not only raise money but to push herself to get outside and walk an extra 10,000 steps a day for the next 28 days.
Wayne, Alfie and George
Jo-Anne, who works as a nursery nurse, already spends much of her day on her feet, but is determined to do the extra steps outside her working hours. She said: “Scotty’s has already done so much for my boys in such a short space of time, this is my way of giving back. I wanted to make sure I was setting myself a real challenge, so I will be completing the steps before and after work and at weekends.”
“February isn’t the warmest of months so making myself get outdoors to do the steps will be a challenge in itself! Luckily, my friends have agreed to support me and to walk with me, and I’m sure they will help keep me motivated.”
Since joining Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Alfie and George have received support that has helped them through the last seven months and continually reassures them that they are not alone.
In November last year, Alfie and George, alongside their mum, attended the national Remembrance Day Parade in London. The family were amongst 45 Scotty members in attendance on the day, and proudly marched in memory of their dad.
Alfie and George at the 2021 Remembrance Day Parade
The pair have also benefited from Scotty’s Strides programme and received an allowance to help pay for their much-loved football training.
Jo-Anne said: “Scotty’s really does reassure the boys that they are not on their own. Being part of the Remembrance Day Parade last year was fantastic, and the support we’ve received for their football has been a huge help. I just want to help raise enough money to ensure the charity can keep providing the support they currently do, as I know we’d be lost without them.”
Jo-Anne has already raised £275, surpassing her initial target of £100. She added: “Everyone has been so generous already; I hope I can do them proud.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is currently providing assistance to hundreds of bereaved British Forces children and young people around the UK and beyond. Services offered include guidance to parents and carers, access to professional child bereavement support, personal education and learning assistance (including grants) and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Nikki said: “I can’t thank Jo-Anne enough for supporting us and taking part in the 280,000 Steps Challenge, it means so much when the families we support take the time to fundraise for Scotty's. I know how hard the last few months have been for Alfie and George, I’m so proud that Scotty’s is here to support them and so many other children and young people just like them. All money raised through the 280,000 Steps Challenge will enable us to provide our members with support which is vital as they grow up.”
