Volunteers have been awarded for the difference they make by encouraging people to join local health walks.
Dedicated volunteers have made a real difference to people’s lives by helping them to remain fit and healthy.
There are more than 60 regular volunteer-run health walks across Lincolnshire’s seven districts that all come under the national Ramblers Walking for Health scheme.
Ann Ransome from North Greetwell is a walk leader in Nettleham and was one of the volunteers praised at an award ceremony held at Market Rasen racecourse.
(Image: Steve Smailes Photography)
She was presented with a special award which recognises her support for local dementia groups as she has been pivotal in supporting her group.
Ann has even worked with Buddies Dementia Cafe in Nettleham to support those with the condition.
Ann said: “It’s a pleasure to win and I’ve really enjoyed being part of a brilliant group. It’s the people that make the walks and they’re absolutely fantastic.
“Everybody has a story to tell and there’s lots of chatting and a friendly atmosphere.”
Nev and Chris Padley from Skendleby were also honoured with a special health award.
The pair are walk leaders and organise the East Lindsey Heart Support Group, they joined the group 14 years ago and became walk leaders two years later.
(Image: Steve Smailes Photography)
They support people with health conditions and go the extra mile by arranging lunches at Batemans Brewery after their Wainfleet Walk, asking tea rooms at Burgh Le Marsh to open especially for the walkers and visiting a farmer to make sure cows aren’t in the field when they walk.
They also organised the bi-annual sponsored walk, not only leading but arranging for the group to have lunch at their daughter’s house.
Nev said: “It’s a total shock to win and it’s lovely that people have voted for us. We love walking and it gets people out giving them confidence to make friends and meet new people.”
Health walks can benefit people in lots of ways. As well as improving people’s physical wellbeing, walkers can meet others and enjoy their local area enhancing their mental health.
(Image: Steve Smailes Photography)
Walks lasts between 30 and 90 minutes and takes place on a regular basis. Groups cater for different abilities so everyone can enjoy walks at their own pace.
Lincolnshire Co-op Community and Health Walks Co-ordinator Karen Doherty said: “We’re immensely proud of all volunteer walk leaders and want to say thank you for their dedication and enthusiasm in leading groups and supporting others.
Video Unavailable
“Winners were put forward by fellow volunteer walk leaders and walkers and we were really impressed with some of the nominations that came in. Amongst many attributes, they were praised for their commitment, friendliness, encouragement and endless kindness.”
If you want to hear all about the positive stories from around the county join our Love Lincs Facebook group.
This Facebook group is shining a light on all the great things going on in our county and the fantastic people in it too.
You can chat with like-minded people, get involved in the area and share your stories.
Give it a follow by clicking here.
Here’s the full list of other special recognition award winners.
Gordon Grant, Walk Leader in South Kesteven
Gordon is an invaluable member of the Caythorpe Strollers and Striders which has up to 50 members and growing. His energy, enthusiasm and quiet diplomatic skills add greatly to the success of the group. He has even researched and published work looking into the great value the group adds to its member’s quality of life.
Jenny Turner, Walk Leader in East Lindsey
Jenny leads well planned walks in the Louth area and keeps everyone informed of the distances, times and calories lost. She makes walking fun for all and the group has lots of laughs, forgetting the fact that they are exercising.
David Clay, Walk Leader in West Lindsey
As well as being a walk leader David deals with all the admin side of the Saxilby Strollers. He puts together a quarterly leaflet, showing the programme, which he then distributes around the village. Earlier this year, he organised a special walk and party to celebrate 10 years of the group and invited Radio Lincolnshire, giving the group the publicity to encourage others to join.
Mick Jackson, Walk Leader in Boston
Mick goes above and beyond helping people on the Boston walks. He is always willing to walk with anyone, at their distance and speed, and particularly encourages slower walkers. He always has a smile and is a friendly, considerate and caring person.
Karen Woods, Walk Leader in North Kesteven
Karen combines walking with amazing local knowledge on her popular history walks. Over the years she has spent many hours researching subjects to make her walks interesting and informative. Earlier this year, she led a history walk around Branston village for the North Kesteven Walking Festival and recently a crew from Radio Lincolnshire attended a walk, broadcasting live. This is in addition to her very popular regular walks at Heighington and Branston.
Dave Scott, Walk Leader in Lincoln
Dave is dedicated and reliable and always has a smile on his face, welcoming many new walkers, come rain or shine. As Dave volunteers for several walks in and around Lincoln he makes people feel reassured, and confident to join different groups knowing he would be there as people know he is friendly and always willing to help.
Lincolnshire Live has joined forces with Lincolnshire Co-op to run a joint campaign, called #LoveLincs, to highlight what’s great about our county and the people who live here.
And we want you all to get involved!
We want you to tell us about all the people who work so hard to make Lincolnshire what it is – whether that’s someone who is brilliant at their job, a tireless volunteer, or simply someone who does something generous, like regularly checking on an elderly neighbour or running down the road to return a wallet someone has dropped.
How you can help us celebrate what’s great about Lincolnshire
All you need to do is get in touch with us – and we’ll get the word out.
You can do this by messaging us via our Lincolnshire Live page on Facebook or simply emailing us at news@lincolnshireecho.co.uk making it clear that you want to contribute to the #LoveLincs campaign.
And we’ve also launched a facebook group for people to share their positive stories about the county and the people in it. That group can be found by clicking on this link.
Help us shout about what you love about Lincolnshire!
To find a local walk near you visit the Lincolnshire Co-op website.
