Exceptional Walk Leader Awards

Stories of our walk leaders

Alison

Brian

Margaret

Joy

Alison's Story

Alison Gaitonde was nominated by Vivienne Wronski

“Alison became a Walk Leader in October 2005 and she lead the Banstead walk before planning a new walk for the scheme, namely the “Coal Tax” walk across Walton Heath in 2006.

She has lead this walk through thick and thin, rain and shine, illness and now, good health. She is a quiet, reliable, modest, lovely person who gets on well with the walkers in our group. She is a wonderful and caring listener, as people share their problems with us on the walks.

She helped me plan the “Headley Hike” and since then has planned three more walks on Walton Heath. She also leads another walk on Wednesday’s. The “Wildlife Walk” at Burgh Heath. She is an unsung hero and I would love to see her receive an Award in recognition of the hours she has put in over the years.“

Brian's Story

Lingfield Action for Life - Well done Brian!

Brian Waddingham, from Lingfield, has just been awarded a certificate and fleece by Walking for Health, Natural England for his exceptional contribution as a walk leader for Lingfield Byways.

Several years ago Brian underwent a major heart bypass operation, but this only seemed to make him more determined to go about supporting others to maintain their health and fitness.

Each week for the past four years, Brian, a voluntary walk leader, has arrived at the Lingfield and Dormansland Community Centre to take the registers for our large group of walkers, and set up the teas and coffees which he invariably also serves on returning after the walk.

There are 15 other voluntary walk leaders at this Centre and we all very pleased that Brian received this small token of everyone’s appreciation.

If you have had health problems or lack confidence to walk on your own and wish to join a short walk of approximately 1.5 miles or less, then join us at the Lingfield & Dormansland Community Centre on any Monday morning at 10a.m.

Margaret's Story

Margaret, who was in hospital unable to walk in January 2010, was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in April 2011 after a fifteen month wait and numerous tests.

Three weeks after her diagnosis, she joined the Lingfield Byways Walks. At first she could only walk short distances with a three wheeled support frame. After a couple of walks she was able to switch to a walking pole and after three months she was able to finish the short walk.

She says that she “walks off her pain and stress every Monday morning and feels better both physically and mentally”.

Click here to read about Margaret

Joy's Story

Only 4 years ago Joy Hedgeland struggled to complete the 1.5 miles Action for Life Banstead walk. She'd just had treatment for breast cancer but with encouragement from Action for Life Walk Leaders, she steadily progressed and tried the Discover Gatton walk which helped her tremendously.

With support from family and friends, September 4th saw her setting off on a 12km charity walk in Richmond Park. It was going to be a challenge, but something she felt she had to do as it was for a bowel cancer charity which desperately needed funds.

Would she make it? She said lots of younger folk were walking, and not many her age... However, half way round, to her surprise, she felt OK. But then she started to slow down and, oh dear, that last kilometre seemed a very long one. That was when the comradeship of fellow walkers really kicked in – 'Come on, only 15 minutes will do it...'; 'My feet are aching too..' - and she did finally make it! In 2 hours 12 minutes!

"Thank you, Action for Life – you have truly set me back on my feet."