A Bournemouth resident is commemorating more than 12 years of sobriety with a daily steps challenge this summer to raise vital funds for a local charity.
This summer, Bournemouth resident Emma is taking on a powerful and personal mission, walking over one million steps between June and August 2025 to raise funds for S.T.A.R (Steps To Active Recovery), a charity she founded to support individuals affected by addiction.
That’s around 17,000 steps every single day, with every stride helping to fund essential services that offer people a second chance.
Emma battled with alcohol abuse and addiction struggles for most of her early life. S.T.A.R was founded by Emma in 2020 to provide a comprehensive range of support to individuals suffering from addiction across the UK.
Through a range of delivery, including educational programs, support networks, and resources, S.T.A.R aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, discover their true identity, and embark on a journey towards active recovery.
In 2023, Emma was referred on to a BH Live Active membership by her GP to improve her health and wellbeing. Emma said;
“I’ve loved coming down to BH Live Active, Queen’s Park to try different activities and classes, including Box Fit and Pilates. Keeping healthy and active has massively improved my mental and physical health and wellbeing, and prepared me for my challenge. There’s no way I could have done this a few years ago!”
Emma continued;
“Anything is possible. When you don’t think you can do something, keep going. Because sometimes it just takes one step to change your whole life […] I’ve been able to turn my life around with the help of BH Live Active facilities and team – it’s clear they are passionate about investing in their customer’s health and happiness.”
To donate and find out more information about Emma’s Steps for STAR Challenge, visit justgiving.com/campaign/steps4star.
As a social enterprise, one of BH Live’s main social objectives is to encourage more people to participate in physical activity. This includes encouraging individuals to overcome social and financial barriers. They do this by offering free community events and open days, and concessions including specific health and wellbeing programmes – such as BH Live’s exercise referral scheme .
BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is operated by BH Live, a registered charity and leading events and venue operator.
Mary Cobbin, Centre Manager at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park shared;
“Emma’s story is a powerful example of how physical activity can play a life-changing role in recovery and overall health and wellbeing. I’m immensely proud of her heartfelt feedback towards our team and to see her using her experience to inspire and uplift others.”
More information about BH Live Active, Queen’s Park, including centre opening times and facilities, is online at bhliveactive.org.uk/queens-park.
More information about BH Live is online at bhlive.org.uk.
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Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About BH Live Active, Queen’s Park
Situated close to Queen’s Park Golf Course near Charminster, BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is open to all seven days a week.
It is operated by the registered charity BH Live.
There are multiple well-equipped gym rooms over two floors with a full range of cardiovascular, resistance machines, free weights, functional fitness equipment, and workout zones.
Dedicated wellbeing areas and fitness studios include a brand new Technogym Group Cycle experience and a studio for mindfulness and relaxation.
There is a weekly timetable of classes and activities including Les Mills TM BodyPump, BodyBalance, Sprint, RPM, BodyAttack, yoga and Pilates.
Additional features at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park include a Terrace Café complete with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Entry into BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is via a set of stairs – there is no ground level access into or around, the building. Alternative facilities with ground-level access and lift facilities are available at Littledown, Stokewood, Sir David English Sports Centre and Pelhams Park.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park. All visitors must register vehicles in centre on arrival to get free customer parking for up to 2.5 hours per visit.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/queens-park
Get social with us:
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Facebook – @bhliveactivequeenspark
About STAR (Steps To Active Recovery)
STAR (Steps to Active Recovery) is a transformative Christian charity dedicated to promoting awareness, providing support, and empowering individuals affected by addiction, compulsive behaviours, and harmful habits.
At STAR, we firmly believe in the power of community, compassion and faith as catalysts for healing and restoration. Through a range of delivery, including educational programs, support networks, and resources, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, discover their true identity, and embark on a journey towards active recovery.
With a holistic approach that integrates faith, evidence-based practices, and the power of personal testimonies, STAR is committed to empowering individuals, equipping communities, and fostering sustainable life transformation.
More information is available online at starrecovery.org.