Mirren Bennie

💜 I actually can’t believe I’m writing this… 💜

What started as a goal of 99,000 steps turned into 167,000+ steps and £300+ raised for Together for Short Lives! 👣

I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together.

As a rugby player, I’m used to putting in the hard work, but knowing that every step represented a child living with a life-limiting condition made this challenge about so much more than hitting a number on my watch.

Children’s hospices do such an incredible job supporting children and families through some of the toughest times imaginable, and I’m honoured to have played a small part in helping raise money for such a fantastic cause.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared my fundraiser, cheered me on, and believed in me. Every message, every pound, and every bit of support helped keep me going.

To raise over £300 and smash my step goal by nearly 70,000 steps is something I’ll always be proud of. 🥹💜

Together, we’ve made a difference, and that’s the best feeling of all.

Now… what’s the next challenge? 👀🏉👣

99,000 Steps Complete… But I’m Not Finished Yet!

Today marks a huge milestone in my 99,000 Steps Challenge for Together for Short Lives.

As of Day 5, I have officially completed more than 99,000 steps, reaching the challenge target ahead of schedule! When I first signed up, I knew it would take commitment, determination, and a lot of walking, but I never imagined I’d hit the goal this quickly.

The challenge was created to raise awareness and funds during Children’s Hospice Week, with participants walking 99,000 steps to represent the 99,000 children in the UK living with life limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Every single step I’ve taken has been for those children and their families.

Children’s hospices provide incredible care and support to families during some of the most difficult times imaginable. They offer specialist medical care, respite for parents and carers, emotional support, and opportunities for families to make precious memories together. Their work is truly life-changing, and charities like Together for Short Lives help ensure that families can continue to access these vital services.

Although I’ve now completed the challenge, there are still days remaining before it officially ends on 21st June, and I’ve decided I’m not stopping here.

Instead, I’m going to keep walking, keep counting my steps, and keep raising as much money as possible for this amazing cause. Every additional step is another opportunity to raise awareness and encourage more support for children’s hospices across the UK.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Whether you’ve donated, shared my fundraising page, sent words of encouragement, or followed my journey, you’ve helped make this challenge a success.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, but there’s still more we can do.

So for the final few days of the challenge, I’ll be pushing on and adding even more steps to my total. Let’s see just how far we can go and how much we can raise for children and families who need our support.

Thank you for helping me turn every step into something meaningful.

Another Big Day for the 99,000 Steps Challenge!

Today was a fantastic day for my 99,000 Steps Challenge in support of Together for Short Lives.

As a rugby player, I spend a lot of time on my feet anyway, but today was especially busy with not one but two rugby sessions helping me clock up even more steps towards my goal. It’s amazing how quickly the numbers add up when you’re doing something you love!

The challenge runs during Children’s Hospice Week, and I’m aiming to complete 99,000 steps, one for every child in the UK living with a life-limiting condition. Every step is helping to raise awareness and funds for children’s hospices, which provide vital care and support to seriously ill children and their families.

I’m really proud to say that I’ve now completed over 60,000 steps and, thanks to the incredible generosity of family, friends, teammates, and supporters, I’ve raised more than £240 so far.

Knowing that every donation helps support families facing some of life’s toughest challenges keeps me motivated to keep moving, even when my legs are feeling tired after training!

There is still a long way to go, both with my step target and my fundraising goal, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward. Rugby has taught me that success comes from teamwork, resilience, and never giving up, and I’m bringing that same mindset to this challenge.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Whether you’ve donated, shared my fundraising page, joined my team, or simply cheered me on, every bit of support means so much.

Now it’s time to rest up and get ready for another day of stepping for a great cause!

Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.

Why I’m Walking 99,000 Steps for Together for Short Lives

When people think about pageants, they often think about crowns, dresses and being on stage.

What they don’t always see is the opportunity pageants give young people to create positive change in their communities.

As Miss Junior Teen Gloucestershire 2026, one of the things that is most important to me is using my title to support causes that make a real difference. That’s why this Children’s Hospice Week, I am taking on the 99,000 Steps Challenge for Together for Short Lives.

Between 15th and 21st June, I’ll be walking 99,000 steps. That’s one step for every child in the UK living with a life limiting or life-threatening condition.

As a rugby player, I know what it’s like to challenge myself physically. I train hard, play matches in all weather and push myself outside my comfort zone regularly. But this challenge isn’t about sport. It’s about standing alongside families facing challenges that are far bigger than anything I experience on a rugby pitch.

Across the UK, children’s hospices provide vital care and support to seriously ill children and their families. They create special memories, provide respite, offer emotional support and help families navigate some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

Yet despite the incredible work they do, many hospices are facing significant funding pressures. Without continued support, they cannot always provide the services that families rely on.

What struck me most while learning about Together for Short Lives was the importance of making every moment count. Children’s hospices help families create precious memories, celebrate milestones and find joy even during the toughest times.

As someone who is passionate about confidence, wellbeing and helping young people reach their potential, I believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience happiness, support and care regardless of the challenges they face.

Taking on this challenge also reflects something I care deeply about using my platform for more than just myself.

Whether I’m encouraging girls to stay involved in sport, challenging stereotypes around female rugby players or raising money for charity, I want to show that young people can make a difference when they choose to use their voice.

The title of Miss Junior Teen Gloucestershire is more than a sash. It’s an opportunity to serve others, support worthwhile causes and inspire positive change.

Over the next week, every step I take will be for the 99,000 children across the UK living with life limiting conditions and for the families who rely on children’s hospices every day.

If you’re able to support my fundraising, share my challenge or simply help raise awareness of the incredible work carried out by Together for Short Lives and children’s hospices across the country, I would be incredibly grateful.

Together, we can help ensure that families facing the unimaginable continue to receive the care, support and precious moments they deserve.

Thank you for supporting my journey.

Mirren Bennie
Miss Junior Teen Gloucestershire 2026