Jessica Sanford

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My Activity Tracking

225,420
Steps

My target 200000 Steps

I'm stepping up for ICU

Every year, more than 200,000 people are admitted to intensive care units. Behind every one of those numbers is a person, a family, and a story that has been changed forever.

This May, I’m taking on the StepUp4ICU challenge, walking or running 200,000 steps to recognise every one of those patients, and the incredible ICU teams who care for them when it matters most.

Australia and New Zealand have some of the best ICU survival rates in the world. That’s no accident. It’s the result of ongoing investment in research, education, and training. But there is always more to be done to improve outcomes and support recovery after critical illness.

By supporting my challenge, you’re helping fund life-saving research and education. 100% of the funds raised through StepUp4ICU go towards advancing critical care and supporting the next generation of intensive care leaders.

This challenge is more than just steps, it’s about recognising lives, supporting families, and backing the people who stand on the frontlines of critical care every day.

I can’t do this alone. Will you help me reach my goal?

Whether you step up alongside me or support with a donation, your generosity will make a real difference to patients, families, and ICU teams.

Together, we can step up for ICU.

My Achievements

I've raised funds!

I've recorded my steps!

I've reached my fundraising goal!

Reached Step Goal

Update my profile pic

Written my first blog post!

Received 5 Donations

My Updates

Success!

Sunday 31st May
Final day of the challenge! I've been hiking with good friends here in Akaroa and feeling grateful for good health, good friends, and good weather. AND with your amazing support, I've surpassed my fundraising goal - thank you for supporting research, innovation and education in ICU for our patients and families. I've also got out there for some memorable stepping, and surpassed 200,000 steps in May. Brilliant. Thanks again everyone, for your donations and words of encouragement and company along this stepping challenge. x Jess 

Stepping in Hamilton

Thursday 21st May
So here I am in Hamilton town, doing a bit of stepping :) We go for a light jog in the morning before the sun is up. Only a couple of kms, but the mornings have been so calm it's been lovely to be out in the fresh air. We went to Raglan yesterday where we took in the view across to the Manu Bay surf break where international surfers are competing, but no competition this day. We later walked to Bridal Veil Falls and that was spectacular! An easy amble through beautiful bush and rewarded with a huge volcanic gorge where the falls cascaded down to the valley below. Fab. 

Walking wounded

Sunday 17th May
Been a long week as I've been unwell and had to miss work. The dog and school runs have kept me out getting steps, but I've felt pretty tired much of the week. Working in ICU reminds me of how fortunate I am to have my health even when I'm feeling a bit under the weather. The strength of our patients is a constant source of inspiration. I'll be stepping in Hamilton this week where I've actually never stepped before! 

Steps!

Tuesday 12th May
I’m a great believer in steps. Just one step at a time - that’s pretty much my daily motto. And an important message we use when supporting families/whanau and patients in ICU. I’m happy to lend my steps to support ICU and I hope with any funds raised, we can improve care for the people at the centre of our service, our patients. 
My faithful pup companion Ruby will be with me on most walks. 🐾  shame we can’t count dog steps! 
Jess

Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.12

Julie

Keep up the steps!

$54.84

Steve Jackson

Thanks for the great work you do every day!

$50

Michelle

$44.71

Charlotte

Good luck with all the stepping, it’s a great cause.

$43.75

Anonymous

$33.87

Team Collins

Keep up the good work, both in ICU and stepping. We support you all the way

$23.50

Lizzie J-w

A great effort Jess! X

$23.50

Fran Fitchett

Awesome work Jess - you’re a legend. Thank you for all that you do for patients and their families.