3 September 2024
Healthy Walks – Keith
Keith, a 77-year-old retiree from Portchester, has dedicated the past 12 years to leading community walks in Fareham and Portsmouth.
His journey as a Walker Leader began when his wife brought home a leaflet about the programme. Looking for a new hobby post-retirement, Keith started participating in the group as a walker before being approached to become a leader.
Keith underwent training in Portsmouth to become a Walk Leader and decided to lead walks in the surrounding areas of Fareham and Portsmouth. For several years, he led walks every day except Sundays, but eventually scaled back to avoid it feeling like a job. He now leads approximately eight walks a month.
Each walk lasts around one to one and a half hours and covers areas such as Hilsea, Port Solent, Fareham, and Portsdown Hill. Group sizes range from eight to eighteen people.
Photos taken from a walk at in Portchester, Fareham, August 2024
Frequent walking has significantly improved Keith’s physical fitness. During the Covid pandemic, Keith lost his wife to breast cancer, and he credits his role as a walk leader with providing crucial emotional support during that time.
The social aspect of leading the walks, including chatting with group members and forming close friendships, has been particularly beneficial. For some group members, these walks are their only regular social interaction each week.
Keith plans to continue being a walk leader as long as he is able. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “Being a walk leader has been a lifeline for me, especially after losing my wife. The support and camaraderie of the group have been invaluable.”
Photos taken from a walk at in Portchester, Fareham, August 2024
Healthy Walks are fun, free, supportive and lead by trained volunteers. Find out more and join us!