Thrill of Caribbean's Virtual Victory!

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the NHS Western Isles' Autumn 25’ Big Team Challenge, which followed a virtual route through the Caribbean.

There were a total of 309 participants that took part in the autumn walking challenge, with 141 Teams of varying sizes of between one and four members. Collectively, the teams covered an incredible 103,945.7 miles, the equivalent to travelling around the Earth more than four times, or almost halfway to the Moon!

The Gold Category winning team ‘Shufflers' consisted of Eilidh Jayne Macleod, Murdo Maclean, Lorna Angus and Seonaid Gunn, and were presented with a £200 Shop Local voucher at their place of work, Shawbost School, by Laura MacKay, NHS Western Isles Public Health Improvement Practitioner and project lead.

In addition, Shawbost School's Janitor, Murdo Maclean, also received an additional voucher after recording the highest individual step count, covering a remarkable 2648.1 km over the 12-week challenge.  As participants could only win one category, the next highest individual, Anneline Ingram of the Sgoil Nan Loch team ‘Lochies 2', covered an equally impressive 2431.2km and was awarded the Gold Individual prize.

Also pictured are the Silver Individual category winner, Jane Graham, and the Silver Team category winners consisting of Amber MacVicar, Annette Maclean, Don Murray, and Louise Elliot (not pictured), alongside Leah MacKay, Behaviour Change Officer representing HITRANS, the challenge funder.

It was a surprise win for the Silver winners, who believed they hadn't scored high on the leaderboard. However, prizes were awarded by category to ensure recognition and incentives for participants of all abilities. Gold prizes were awarded to the team and individual who travelled the furthest within the top third of participants, whilst Silver prizes were awarded to those who travelled the furthest in the middle third.

The Bronze Team award went to ‘Only Me', consisting of Margaret McLeod as a one-member team, who travelled the furthest in the final third of participants. Margaret is pictured with Marion Matheson, NHS Western Isles Public Health Practitioner (Uist and Barra). Margaret commented that she was delighted to have won the Shop Local vouchers at Age 70!

HITRANS provided funding for both the Big Team Challenge app and the prizes. However, it is hoped that the true reward has been the health benefits gained by participants through increased step counts and improved walking habits.

A total of 89 participants responded to the post-challenge questionnaire, reporting a wide range of health benefits. Of those who responded, 51% reported an increase in their daily steps, 43% noted an improvement in their mental health, 24% reported weight loss, 11% experienced improvement in a long-term condition, and 10% began walking to work as part of their challenge.

Many participants described the Challenge itself as fun and enjoyable, highlighting the competitive element and the use of the app as key motivators. Workplace rivalry and friendly banter between teams were also frequently cited as a positive aspect of the Challenge.

Colum Durkan, Director of Public Health, NHS Western Isles, commented, “It has been wonderful to see so many people take part in this challenge, even during challenging weather conditions. It is particularly encouraging to see the wide range of health benefits reported over the 12 weeks.”

Thank you to everyone who completed the post-challenge questionnaire. All responses will be considered when planning our next Challenge in 2026!