Nordic Walkers have been busy raising money, joining in races, dressing up and helping us to promote this fantastic activity all over the UK

David Lambert (pictured) is a Volunteer for one of our Delivery partner community programmes in Cheshire East. he has given a tremendous amount of time to helping ensure the Nordic walking programme in the area exels and was recently nominated for Volunteer of the Year 2013, at the Cheshire East Sports Awards.

Lee Malkin, who co-ordinates the programme told us

“Out of 22 nominations David has made the top 5 and has been invited to the awards evening on the 21^st November. This is a great achievement and fingers crossed he wins on the evening. I’m pleased for him as it’s a nice bit of recognition for all the hours he has put into our Nordic walking programme”

David qualified as a level 2 Instructor earlier this year and has worked really hard to ensure he is able to teach, lead and organise safe inclusive Nordic walking sessions that inspire others to become more active.

The whole team here at Nordic Walking UK are rooting for him and are proud of his commitment. Fingers crossed!

 This team from ‘Poles ahead’ in Dorset competed in the  Hill 10km Run on Sunday 13th October with their Instructor Helen Gilchrist – we love their purple branding too!

Helen told us

“Nearly a quarter of the field was made up by Nordic walkers this year, who have been training with me for the event in and around Shaftesbury recently.  This tough, hilly 10km had an extra hill this year and started from its new venue, Shaftesbury Upper School.  Organised by The Gillingham Trotters and with help from volunteers, Scouts and St. John’s Ambulance first aiders it was yet another friendly and successful event.

First Nordic Walker back was Jenny Lucas in a time of 1:11:13 whilst First Nordic walker over 65 years went to Hilary Taylor.

The oldest Nordic walking competitor, 69 year old Claudia Esdaile, pictured, who also has Parkinson’s knocked off a staggering 18 minutes from her previous 10km time that she completed in April of this year, despite the Gold Hill course being a much tougher route with lots of hills.  Her time was 1hr 42 mins.  An inspiration to all, Claudia has dramatically improved her fitness this year and looking forward to her next 10km event.

Northamptonshire Sport work tirelessly to promote physical activity and in this picture they are helping a group of colleagues from the Three Shires Hospital experience how Nordic walking is an ideal way to brighten up any working day.

They were introduced to the health values of Nordic Walking by Sport Northamptonshire’s Physical Activity Co-ordinator Sarah McVeigh.

And after being shown how to use the walking poles the group could be seen trekking around the hospital’s expansive grounds.

Shirley Adams, PA to Three Shires Executive Director Dominic Bath, helped organise the event and even persuaded Dominic to take part.

She said: A friend introduced me to Nordic walking and I really enjoyed it – you can take things at your own speed and do as much or as little as you want.

“When we were looking to get people at BMI Three Shires involved in The Big Health Pledge – presently being run throughout the company – I thought this would be perfect. Everyone really enjoyed their taster session and I’m sure many will carry on with it as part of their Pledge.”

Jane Thomas and her Nordic walking group from Watford have really been getting into the ‘spirit’ of Nordic walking with their spooky costumes and night time Halloween walk!

To keep up with all the news and fun – make sure you follow us on Facebook click here to see what’s happening right around the UK. We are also on twitter @nordicwalkinguk

We love hearing your news and seeing pictures of happy Nordic walkers so send us your stories today. Next month we will be featuring all the festive Nordic Walking stories so send in your pictures of celebratory lunches,tinselled poles and of course….the Santa hats! Send them to gill@nordicwalking.co.uk