“Joining this Group has been absolutely amazing. The friendships I have made are just incredible.” These are the heartfelt words of June Best, who together with her Guide Dog Clyde, are members of Moira Friendship Group’s ‘Walking For Health’ initiative.
The group which has approximately 300 members of ages 50 plus, has welcomed all to join their ‘Walking For Health’ walking group over the past 25 years. Those who are keen to keep active and find friendships are welcomed with open arms.
June shared how she has been a member, together with Clyde, for over a year and it has, “Meant the world to me.”
“I initially felt quite isolated here in Moira as I am originally from further out in the country. Because I can’t make eye contact, I just stayed at home apart from when I was working with Clyde and going to the training for that.
“Joining the Group has been absolutely amazing. The friendships I have made are just incredible and there is always something to do and I love walking. The health benefits of the Group are fantastic.”
Walk Leader Stewart Martin reflected on how he has been involved with the Group for 15 years. “It is one of the best things I have ever done.” “Joining the Group is a great way to meet people. When you retire, sometimes you don’t know what you are going to do with yourself. Joining this Group is one of the best things I have ever engaged in. The physical benefits are great and by taking part you get to see lovely views, the greenery, it is first class.”
South Eastern Trust Community Health Development Practitioner and Walking for Health Co-ordinator Wendy McDowell added, “May is national month of walking and I am very proud of this Group. They are a great example of the benefits walking can bring for your physical and mental/emotional health and wellbeing, and we are very blessed to have such a motivated walking group within our Trust area.
“Walking is so good for you, it is good for our health in terms of lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, to name but a few, and of course you have the social aspects of joining a Group such as this one.
“I’m delighted to see its members here at Moira and popularity continue to grow as it marks its 25th year.”