Walkers about to leave Abergavenny Leisure Centre
An intrepid group of walkers celebrated two years since their formation by taking a four mile circular route from Abergavenny Leisure Centre to the foot of the Sugar Loaf returning alongside the River Usk at Llanwenarth.
The Abergavenny Fit 4 life walking group was formed when members of the Monmouthshire National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) agreed to meet each Thursday morning to explore the area by foot.
The Exercise Referral Scheme encourages people with a wide variety of medical conditions to lead a more active lifestyle by attending sessions at their local leisure centre and taking advantage of opportunities for more exercise.
The Abergavenny Fit 4 life group is supported by Monmouthshire County Council’s Leisure and Countryside services and receives additional support from Let’s Walk Cymru – a Wales-wide initiative supported by Sport Wales, the Welsh Government and Ramblers Cymru. Fit 4 life walking groups operate from the council’s three other leisure centres at Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth and thirty volunteers have trained to act as walk leaders, planning routes and ensuring safety on each walk.
As well as regular weekly walking sessions, groups also meet socially after each walk.
Don Balkwill (68) was referred to the National Exercise Referral Scheme following a spinal operation and knee replacement three years ago. Don said: “Before my operations and then joining the scheme I struggled to walk with a stick, yet today I completed a four mile walk without difficulty”. Don is a native of Devon and as a youngster, and even into adulthood, he regularly climbed the Dewerstone Rock on the edge of Dartmoor.
“Problems with my back and knee prevented me from ascending the tor in later years but when I joined the Abergavenny Fit 4 life group I set myself a target to climb it once again. Within a year I was able to do so and I’m pleased to say I’ve walked up it twice since.”
Clive Davies (73) added:
“Walking makes you feel invigorated and in addition, the Fit 4 life group is a great way of making friends. Our instructors are wonderful and pay individual attention to each member.” Clive was referred to the exercise referral group by his doctor in 2008 following heart surgery and has attended regular sessions ever since.”
For further details contact Monmouthshire County Council’s GP Exercise Referral Coordinator, Joel Morgan on 01633 644286.
