20 August 2024
Healthy Walks – Ray
Ray, now 77, began his volunteering journey with Community Action Fareham’s Walking for Healthy service 13 years ago, shortly after retiring. Along the way Community Action Fareham became Community First and the service became Fareham Healthy Walks.
Initially joining as a walker, Ray found great joy and health benefits from the activity. By the age of 70, he began to face significant challenges with his mobility and kidneys, which were progressively deteriorating. As a result, participating in the walks became increasingly difficult for him.
“I volunteered as minibus driver for Locks Heath Communicare, taking the vulnerable and elderly to lunch clubs and on shopping trips, however, it became too much when my health started to decline.”
It was around this time that Ray heard about a volunteer admin position through his walking group. This new role allowed him to stay involved with the Healthy Walks community but in a less physical capacity.
From his home, Ray schedules the Fareham walks, planning two months in advance. Walk leaders reach out to him with their preferred walks and dates, and Ray meticulously organises the schedule to ensure there are no conflicts. His amazing work helps us run a great variety of walks with as many on as possible.
Photos taken from a walk at Holly Hill Woodland Park, Fareham, August 2024
Volunteering has had a real impact on Ray’s wellbeing. “It gave me purpose and something to do,” he reflects. The work of scheduling the walks, which takes him about a day in total, is broken down into a few hours spread over several days a month. This task not only occupies his time but also stimulates his mind. As Ray puts it, “I enjoy it as it gets my brain working!”
Ray’s dedication to volunteering has allowed him to continue making a meaningful impact on the Healthy Walks community while also enhancing his own quality of life. He hopes to encourage others, who might have similar health conditions, to consider volunteering, as there are opportunities out there for everyone!
Healthy Walks are fun, free, supportive and led by trained volunteers. Click here to view our programme of walks in the Fareham area.