Manchester MD Stephen Johnson is walking across Europe to support bereaved children and families with additional needs and may be on track to set a new Guinness World Record for the most steps walked in a single month.
This August, while many are enjoying summer holidays, one man is walking through grief, hope, and change – step by step, country by country.
Stephen Johnson, Managing Director of Manchester-based Quooker UK & Ireland, is walking 2,000 kilometres in 31 consecutive days. No rest days. No shortcuts. That’s 64 kilometres and over 83,000 steps every single day, 1.5 marathons a day, 45 marathons back-to-back.
But this isn’t about medals or finish line photos. It’s about every child who has lost a loved one far too young, and every family living with the daily challenges of additional needs. It’s about walking the hard road so others don’t have to walk alone.
“I’ve always believed that business should be about more than profit, it should be about people,” says Stephen.
“This walk is my way of honouring the past, supporting the present, and building hope for the future. Every step is for the children and families who need to know they’re not alone.”
Stephen’s walk is a tribute to his late father, Neville Johnson, who passed away in September 2024. Last year, he walked in memory of his mother, Sandra, whom he lost when he was just 18 months old. This is personal. It’s raw. And it’s purposeful.
He’s raising funds for two life-changing charities:
- Grief Encounter, which helps children and young people navigate bereavement and loss.
- The Friendship Circle, which supports children and adults with disabilities and their families.
“Stephen’s dedication is a stark reminder of the silent, unspoken courage it takes to face each day after sudden loss. He embodies the strength it takes to carry sorrow and still move forward,” says Suzy Turner, CEO of Grief Encounter.
“Stephen’s commitment is extraordinary,” adds Mimi Lyons, Finance & Fundraising Director at The Friendship Circle.
“His walk is a powerful symbol of inclusion and compassion. The funds raised will help us continue delivering life-changing programmes that support our members and their families every single day.”
A Journey That Could Set a World Record
Stephen’s challenge isn’t just extraordinary; it could be historic. With over 2.6 million steps planned across 2,000 kilometres in just 31 days, he may be on track to set a new Guinness World Record for the most steps walked in a single month.
While official confirmation is pending, the scale and intensity of Stephen’s journey already place him among the most dedicated endurance walkers in the world. But for Stephen, it’s not about records -it’s about impact.
Stephen built Quooker UK from the ground up in Manchester, not just with innovation, but with heart. He’s a champion of mental health in the workplace, a mentor to many, and a vocal advocate for empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence in leadership.
Last year, he raised over £60,000 walking 1,500km. This year, in memory of his father, he’s pushing himself further than ever before, documenting every step with daily updates and reels, inviting the public to walk alongside him in spirit.
How You Can Help
Quooker’s national showroom network is rallying behind the campaign, promoting a charity raffle, hosting local walks, and sharing Stephen’s story. Anyone who donates £10 or more is entered into a prize draw to win a full Quooker tap system, with multiple winners announced throughout the walk.
So far, Stephen has raised over £25,000 just six days into the challenge, with more support pouring in daily. Visit: www.quooker.co.uk
To donate directly or follow Stephen’s journey, visit: https://www.quooker.co.uk/charity/walk/2025
To learn more, visit griefencounter.org and friendshipcircle.co.uk
