Big Lottery cheque for Walking Well

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Older People’s Champion, Councillor Tegwen Devichand, happily accepted a cheque from the Big Lottery on behalf of Carmarthenshire’s 50+ Forum on Wednesday, 29th May.

The award of £4050will go to setting up more Walking Well groups across the county. “We already have three well-established groups in being in St. Clears, Carmarthen and Llanelli,” said Andy Kurzfeld, Walking Well’s county co-ordinator, “and with this money we hope to set up ten more.”

Walking Well Carmarthenshire (WWC) began as a pilot project just over a year ago. It currently has around a hundred members walking on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

The aim of the project is to encourage people, particularly those who currently take little in the way of exercise, to get out and enjoy the social, mental and physical benefits of walking in a group.

Local doctors’ surgeries also refer their patients to WWC where walking can help recovery from injury or illness.

Walking in a group is just a great way of meeting new friends whilst getting and staying fit.

Interest has already been shown from a number of areas and volunteers to run groups and lead walks would be very welcome.

Free walk leader and first aid training is available and volunteers are also provided with walking materials (walking poles, maps, etc.) for their use and for use by new walkers.

Travelling expenses and third-party insurance cover are also available to group and walk leaders.

More information is available on the WWC website – www.walkingwellcarmarthenshire.org – or from the voluntary co-ordinator, Andy Kurzfeld, on 01994 448743 or by email to walkingwellcarmarthenshire@gmail.com.

PIC: In people’s Park, Llanelli: Andy Kurzfeld,(Walking Well county co-ordinator), Cllr. TegwenDevichand, Keith Davies (walk leader) and Llanelli walkers.