Staff at London Independent Hospital walk length of England for health

Hospital staff in London’s East End are backing a campaign for healthier living by making an example of themselves and walking the equivalent of the length of England—almost 400 miles.

Even bosses at the London Independent Hospital in Stepney Green are putting their backs into it recording their physical activity during the campaign.

“We hope to smash through the target we set,” said clinical services director Laura Eviston. “We want to show the easy and manageable steps people can take to help them on a road to a healthier lifestyle and decided on the virtual target of the length of England.

“A little bit of exercise taken each day can make a difference to people’s lives.”

So staff are walking, running and jogging to reach the 398-mile target during the campaign.

Tower Hamlets has one of Britain’s highest rates of heart disease, they point out. The hospital is urging people to make a pledge for long-term health benefits by improving diet, moving more, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.