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A FIFE resident has been recognised for her role in doubling the size and frequency of the regions local evening walking groups.
Crowned by Scotland’s walking charity, Paths for All, Claire Henderson, Walk Leader of Bums Off Seats (The Right Step) project has been awarded Health Walk Volunteer of the year at the 2023 Volunteer Awards.
As a dedicated Walk Leader, Claire has been instrumental in leading Bums Off Seats Health Walks in the Fife area, forming an evening walking group in 2021.
In January 2023, Claire started a second evening walk with less than 10 attendees to offer the community a choice of days and areas and formed the ‘The Right Step’ community specifically for the evening Bums off Seats walking groups.
The evening group meets twice a week, with an average of 20 walkers attending each session. As well as regularly meeting for social outings, bringing together community members from all walks of life.
I do not remember when I started walking with Bums Off Seats but, it has been a few years since I got my ten-year medal for attending the walks. I can recall vividly how it all started though. In my 50 and 60 years I had been in and out of hospital suffering heart problems, and after one particularly bad bout of pneumonia, my progress was slow and depressing. At this point, I was referred to the heart/stroke rehab group at Leven Swimming Pool. Being proud and previously active I didn't much like the 'tag' of being old and infirm and being shown how to do simple exercises, so one day I left the class and started walking along the prom. I didn't get far when I realised my stubborn streak left me leaning on the sea wall wishing I was back in class. However a group of walkers were passing and the leader asked if I was ok, "Oh yes, I am just out for a wee walk". Unknown to me I had been referred to Bums Off Seats and the leader knew who I was when I told her I was at the rehab group in the swimming pool, she encouraged me to walk a little bit further with them. I couldn't manage the whole length of the prom but, was happy with that progress and because they were all so friendly and helpful I promised that I would meet them again the following Tuesday. And that is how the story began...
I looked forward to the Tuesday walks along the prom, every Tuesday walking further and further till one day I realised I had walked the whole length, and eventually with the Leven Power Station and the swimming pool in view I could turn around and walk back.
Within a short amount of time, I advanced to the Monday Bums off Seats group's longer walks and consequently the Monday and Thursday.
This was a great way for me to get aerobic activity in and improve my heart health, so much so the doctors saw a big improvement and no repair surgery was required. All down to walking and the angel leader of prom walks called Terry. I will always be indebted to her encouragement and the group of friendly walkers.
The benefits of walking are huge, apart from the fitness aspect of strengthening the bones, muscles and building endurance, seeing country scenes and seascapes in all different seasons, and best of all the company. The Leven group of Bums Off Seats are diverse mix of men and women who are a welcoming and fun group who have helped me enormously walking on the mend.
