- The NHS is set to launch a new scheme in January, called Movement 26.2, which will incentivise Britons to walk for at least 20 minutes a day.
- Participants will earn shopping vouchers and discounts from high street and online retailers by logging their daily walks online, via phone, or smartwatch, with the aim of completing the equivalent of a marathon (26 miles) each month.
- The initiative is being led by Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster and Air Miles inventor Sir Keith Mills, with health officials currently in talks with retailers to finalise the reward system.
- NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey highlighted that the scheme aims to make physical activity a daily choice, improving both physical and mental wellbeing and helping people live longer, healthier lives.
- The programme seeks to tackle the UK's inactivity problem, which is estimated to cost the NHS £1 billion annually, and address issues associated with sedentary lifestyles such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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