"I walk because it gets me out of the house and really boosts my confidence.”
By Carol, 56, from Speke, Liverpool
Despite being registered blind, Carol doesn’t let anything stop her. She’s changed her life for the better by walking more, going to fitness classes and quitting smoking, which has helped her to lose weight and make new friends.
Carol decided to start being more active because she was overweight, had recently given up smoking and her dad was ill. Carol turned these three factors into a powerful motivation to better herself and change her outlook on life.
Her first step was joining Bradbury Fields, a centre that provides services to blind and partially sighted people living in Merseyside. Their walking group gave her the opportunity to meet new people and helped her lose 2 stone in weight.
Since then she’s gone from strength to strength, adding gym classes and Zumba to her weekly routine. Carol loves the confidence boost that being more active has given her and is keen to keep getting out there and trying new things.
“If you’re not sure being active is right for you, don’t be afraid to give it a try, you might be surprised how good it makes you feel. Finding an activity that’s right for you can help you get out and about, meet new people, have fun and do something positive for yourself.”
After experiencing a traumatic road accident, and then being diagnosed with blood cancer, Julie decided she needed to find a way to be more active that fitted her age and lifestyle. She’s also got three energetic granddaughters to look after, so she felt she needed to keep fit and active.
