Friends walked 100,000 steps for children's rights

Therese "Tessan" Blåsol and her friend Helena Simonsson had previously walked 100,000 steps in a day just for fun. When it was time to hike again, they wanted to combine business with pleasure and therefore chose to raise money for a good cause at the same time.

"Children are very close to both our hearts. We chose Erikshjälpen because it is the organization that spends the least money on administration and the most on its purpose," says Tessan.

Therese stands on a fallen log on a forest road with her back to the camera and her hands raised in a peace sign.
Therese Blåsol. Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson smile at the camera in a sunny outdoor setting. Lush trees and a lake can be seen in the background.
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
Therese stands on a fallen log on a forest road with her back to the camera and her hands raised in a peace sign.
Therese Blåsol. Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson smile at the camera in a sunny outdoor setting. Lush trees and a lake can be seen in the background.
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
It's much more fun when you contribute to something!
Tessan Blåsol

The first route chosen by the sports-mad friends was between Skummeslövstrand and Ängelholm. The hike took them all the way around the Bjäre Peninsula, and they were able to donate one gift for every 10,000 steps they took. In total, they raised 9,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).

"It's much more fun when you contribute to something good. The world is the way it is, and I can't fix everything myself, but I can do something small. Hopefully, our 100,000 steps can inspire others to contribute in their own small way," says Tessan.

Two years later, in the spring of 2025, it was time again. This time, Therese and Helena chose to stay close to home and hike around Lake Vittsjön in northern Skåne. The hike began at five in the morning, and for each lap around the lake, participants could donate any amount they wished.

By eleven o'clock in the evening, they had reached 100,000 steps and collected 7,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).

– We were pretty exhausted afterwards. The weather also has a big impact. Last time, it was wet and rainy at the start, and then it rained even more, which really hurt our feet and gave us lots of blisters. It took a long time to recover.

Don't overthink it, just go for it, it's not that difficult.
Tessan Blåsol

They have used Facebook and Instagram to spread the word about the fundraising campaign to as many people as possible. At the same time, it is difficult to stand out in the noise. Ahead of the second hike, they therefore started an event on Facebook to make it as easy as possible to follow the fundraising campaign.

Simplicity is something that Tessan emphasizes a little extra.

– Don't overthink it, just go for it, it's not that difficult. And have fun – it should be enjoyable, pleasurable, and inspire others.

Author: Johan Larsson

"Tessan and Helena, you're awesome, go go" written on the asphalt with colorful sidewalk chalk.
Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson stand on a leafy forest path and make the peace sign with their fingers.
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
"Tessan and Helena, you're awesome, go go" written on the asphalt with colorful sidewalk chalk.
Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson stand on a leafy forest path and make the peace sign with their fingers.
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private

Published: 19 January 2026

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