“Nobody in the world has the right to tell us our dreams are too big” – the Incredible Steve Hill MBE

In a remarkable journey of self-discovery and service, Steve Hill MBE shows the boundless potential within us all, inspiring generations to dream big and make a difference.

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 4 months ago
Charity, City of Manchester, Community, Featured, Oldham, People

In the realm of extraordinary individuals who redefine the limits of human potential, Steve Hill MBE stands as a beacon of inspiration.

Steve, who works at St Joseph’s Primary School in Shaw has a passion for challenging both himself and his students.

He has spent the past 15 years embarking on awe-inspiring charity challenges that push the boundaries of physical endurance and mental resilience.

The Incredible Steve Hill MBE

Hill’s journey began in 2009, a realisation striking him that while he preached the values of self-belief and determination to his students, he had yet to embody those principles himself.

This awakening led to a decision that would shape the next decade and a half of his life—taking on a series of challenges that not only defied convention but also served as a testament to the limitless possibilities achievable through hard work and perseverance.

Fourteen Consecutive Marathons

The pinnacle of his challenges (so far) has undoubtedly been the 14 consecutive marathons he ran during school holidays, a feat made even more remarkable by the diverse and challenging terrains he chose to conquer.

The first seven marathons took him across the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast.

Without skipping a beat, he then jetted off to Tajikistan, running through Afghanistan to the Kyrgyzstan border, completing the extraordinary marathon journey with another seven in a row.

Reflecting on these challenges, Hill describes the experience as “extremely intense, brutal, and relentless,” yet paradoxically “magical and life-affirming.”

Each adventure served as a testament to the transformative power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, a philosophy Hill passionately advocates.

Steve trekking through the jungles of Borneo

The challenges continued, from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to traversing the Sahara Desert, trekking through the jungles of Borneo, and running marathons under the Northern Lights in the Arctic wilderness.

Even taking on Ultramarathons in the Arctic cannot stop this man on a mission.

The Mount Everest Marathon

His dreams expanded to include reaching the base camp of Mount Everest and running the Mount Everest Marathon, a feat that earned him both admiration and incredulity.

Undeterred by conventional boundaries, Hill’s dedication extended beyond physical challenges.

Steve Hill’s Book What’s Next, Sir?

During lockdown, he authored a book titled ‘What’s Next, Sir,’ providing insights into his journey and philosophy.

The book became a bestseller, further establishing Hill as a motivational figure.

Yet, Hill’s commitment goes beyond personal triumphs; it’s about instilling a sense of limitless potential in the minds of the children he teaches.

He emphasises the importance of having big dreams, dreams that excite and even frighten, reinforcing the idea that no dream is too big for anyone.

His students are not just spectators; they actively participate in shaping Hill’s challenges.

They suggest ideas, such as swimming the Atlantic, showcasing their ownership of the journey.

They become his accountability partners, checking in on his training and contributing to the selection of challenges for the upcoming year.

The unique bond between Hill and his students extends to the classroom, where he brings in the equipment, shares the experiences, and even tastes the expedition food.

Steve meeting local Children during the Uganda Marathon in 2018

The students write motivational letters for Hill to carry on his challenges, creating a sense of shared accomplishment.

He said: “Teaching is the greatest privilege in the world.

“We’re part of these children’s lives, particularly in primary school.

“We’re on that journey together, and after 27 years of teaching, it’s still the greatest joy.

“Standing at the door in the morning, the children come around the corner, skipping in with a big smile; they all get a high five and share the news, and then off we go for the day ahead.

“I see it as a journey, to be part of their lives and be there on that journey with them. There’s no better job in the world.”

Steve said that he does these things to add to their learning experience, opening the world up by studying the countries where the challenges take place

He added: “Seven, eight, and nine-year-olds come up to me and say, ‘So when I’m older, can I come and climb Everest with you? Can I come to the Amazon jungle with you?’ It’s magical.

“Adventure’s been planted, and they’re getting excited about the future and what they can achieve.

“We talk about big dreams, and they’re making their big dreams now. That’s what all children need to be doing.”

“You see these children with low aspirations, thinking, ‘There’s nothing for me because I come from a deprived town, I’m not very academic.’

“So my thing is, ‘Rubbish, come on, believe in it, make it happen.’

“Through self-belief, hard work, and determination, things will be tough, and you’ll face setbacks.

“Don’t give up; ask for help, go a little bit slower, but keep moving forward and chasing those dreams, and it works.

“To see the sparkly eyes and the excitement is what it’s about because a lot of the education system is just training children to pass exams.”

The Duke Of Edinburgh Awards

Steve reflects on his unexpected journey, having stood within the grandeur of St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, receiving his MBE then serving as an ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, distributing gold awards and commitment awards.

“How the hell have I ended up doing this? It’s ridiculous,” he chuckles, yet beneath the humour lies a profound message — one that transcends backgrounds and champions the belief that anyone can achieve greatness.

Steve giving a talk about his adventures

“I do go into schools and give talks and presentations about my adventures for the scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and it’s just magic,” Steve shares.

His passion lies in delivering a powerful message to children: dream big, never give up, and embrace the vast possibilities of life by stepping out of your comfort zone.

Steve even had a trip to Buckingham Palace, where he met the Queen back in 2015 when he received an MBE.

Steve added: “It was such a lovely moment, the parents from the school had nominated me.

“We even had a bit of a laugh as it turns out, at the visit to Buckingham Palace, she sort of said, so you’re the teacher taking on these awesome challenges and I said yes ma’am, next week I’m heading up to the North Pole to run a marathon.

“She burst out laughing and said, why on earth are you doing that – I replied I’m not sure, to be honest with you ma’am – I think I’m a bit bonkers and I just got the most lovely regal chuckles from her.

“She just said well, good luck but rather you than me! We just had a nice natter for five minutes, it was a special moment.

Deep within, Steve Hill harboured a silent dream—a dream of establishing his charity, steering its course, and making a tangible impact.

Little did he know that this aspiration, seemingly distant, would materialise sooner than expected.

The catalyst?

Steve with a running buddy at the Uganda Marathon in 2018

An opportunity to venture into the heart of Africa through the Uganda Marathon in 2018.

The allure of the marathon was more than just a race; it promised a week of transformative projects in Masaka’s community, preceding the marathon itself.

Without a clear roadmap but fueled by a desire to contribute, Steve embarked on this journey, not foreseeing the profound impact it would have on him.

The week leading up to the marathon was a revelation—an immersive experience within the community, from getting hands dirty in schools to digging wells.

It was a week that exceeded expectations, leaving an indelible mark on Steve’s heart.

The marathon, while significant, paled in comparison to the profound week that preceded it.

“Running through the villages, high-fiving the kids, and running with the kids.

“It was really special. I think when you go to Africa, it gets in your heart. And I knew I’d return,” reflects Steve.

However, the return was not just a personal longing; it was fueled by a sense of responsibility to the children he met—the children facing attacks on their way to school.

Conversations in Masaka revealed a pressing need—a need for a dormitory to ensure the safety of children who were vulnerable to attacks during their daily commute.

The solution seemed simple but crucial: a dormitory to accommodate 70 children safely, estimated at £6,000.

It was then that Steve faced a pivotal moment of realisation. It was time to set up his own Charitable Trust.

While the annual fundraising efforts generated commendable sums for national charities, Steve envisioned a more direct and locally impactful approach.

“What about if we could raise money and build a dormitory for a school in Africa, but also support families in Oldham who might need a bit of support more locally and have control over where that money went?” he pondered.

Thus, the seeds of Team Hill Charitable Trust were sown—an initiative that transcends borders involves the community, and empowers children.

Established just before the lockdown, the trust swiftly gained charitable status, embodying the tagline “making a difference in whatever way we can.”

The trust supports three schools in Masaka, aids medical facilities, and actively engages in projects closer to home within Greater Manchester.

During the challenging period of lockdown, Team Hill Charitable Trust demonstrated resilience and compassion.

With over 4,000 food shops, prescription pickups, and welfare calls, the trust became a lifeline for the elderly and vulnerable. Steve emphasises, “We’re a charity.

“We step up to the mark now and help wherever we can.”

The trust’s transparency and community involvement have fostered a network of support within Oldham.

From specialised buggies for children with disabilities to renovating a school in Masaka after an arson attack, the impact is tangible and profound.

Steve concludes, “It’s just so special. We get photographs sent from Uganda, which I share with the children at school. They feel part of it, making a difference in the world.”

As Steve Hill reflects on the incredible journey he’s undertaken over the past 15 years, the anticipation for what lies ahead is palpable.

With a heart firmly set on making a difference, Steve envisions a future filled with more adventures, challenges, and impactful initiatives.

For Steve, the essence of his mission transcends personal achievements—it’s about instilling a sense of purpose in the young minds he guides.

His commitment to teaching goes hand in hand with his dedication to showing students that they too can make a difference in the world.

The upcoming year holds no concrete plans for Steve, but the excitement is tangible. In the spirit of exploration, he contemplates running through Mongolia, and Vietnam, or revisiting the Himalayas, all while considering mountains yet to be conquered.

The dream of climbing Everest looms large, a testament to his unwavering determination.

Team Hill Charitable Trust

As Team Hill Charitable Trust continues its noble work, fundraising efforts persist, aiming to support schools in Masaka and beyond.

The trust’s impact isn’t confined to distant lands; it resonates within Greater Manchester, showcasing a model of community involvement and compassion.

Steve’s vision extends beyond physical challenges, as he actively engages with schools, sharing his experiences and encouraging young minds to dream big.

The philosophy remains simple but profound: anyone can make a difference. It’s not just about grand gestures; a smile, a kind word, acknowledgement—these small acts have the power to brighten someone’s day.

Amid these altruistic endeavours, Steve contemplates the possibility of another book. With the working title, ‘What Sir Did Next,’ he reflects on the journey of creating ‘What’s Next, Sir’ and the unexpected joy it brought.

As we conclude this chapter on Steve Hill’s extraordinary life, filled with marathons, mountain climbs, royal encounters, and charitable endeavours, the essence of his message remains clear: dream big, never give up, and embrace the limitless possibilities that life has to offer.

Steve’s life is a living testament to the idea that each one of us, regardless of our circumstances, has the power to make a positive impact in the world.

Here’s to the next chapter, the next challenge, and the continued pursuit of making the world a better place.

Steve recently won ‘Most-Loved Community Leader’ at the inaugural I Love MCR Awards, which you can find out more about by clicking here

You can find out more about Steve on his website by clicking here

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