We love hearing from groups who have been out completing challenges, raising funds or organising fun events. Here are few we have heard about recently:- Becki Stevenson sent in this lovely picture of the Race for Life event in Epsom on 1st July. 11 ladies from her group joined in the fun and raised funds for Breast cancer.

Lisa Draper told us about an event she organised in Norfolk- I have been a Nordic Instructor for almost 4 years, offering a few groups a week and am extremely lucky to have a regular, supportive and very lovely clientele!  Each year I try to organise my own Charity Nordic Walk with my groups and they have proved very enjoyable and successful;  In 2011 we raised over £1100 for Macmillan and in 2012 over £1200 for NNAB (Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind).  This year I chose to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Research UK (again, a cause dear to my heart).15 of my walkers signed up to come along and join me on Sat 10th May.  Up to and on that morning, the weather had been awful, but as we posed for our initial photo opportunity, the sun shone and did so for the rest of the day!   It was a lovely walk, beautiful Norfolk scenery and differing terrains, and everyone completed the full distance and thoroughly enjoyed the walk. I had arranged with my husband and friends for refreshments at the end, so what better than a little afternoon tea to finish with! The best part, however, was the monies raised.  I was delighted, and very proud of us all as our final total paid in was £1756.20! – £500 more than the previous walk!  I am told by ARUK that the money we raised will provide many hours  world-class research, which is certainly very heart-warming indeed, and to think that just by going that little bit further on a Saturday, doing an activity we always do, we can go some way to helping others, which is just brilliant.  

ALICE DENHAM (pictured on the left) is somebody we have featured before in these pages but here is her latest achievement:- Following a massive brain aneurysm Alice was struggling to speak and had an erratic pulse. Now, following a rehabilitation process that included Nordic Walking and the expert interventions of Charles Allen and his exercise referral team at East Coast Community healthcare ….. Alice has trained to be a NWUK Instructor, completed a gruelling 110 mile walk and raised £10,000 for the hospital that saved her life and just climbed Ben Nevis in the dark! Her recent challenge was for the Alzheimers society and the picture shows her message to her Mum form the summit!. We love her positivity and the fact that she is living proof of the power of exercise ( especially Nordic Walking!)   Help us to spread the word about Nordic Walking by sharing your local news with us. Send your news, pictures and ideas to gill@nordicwalking.co.uk – We are not only looking for events or fund raising – share your funny stories, achievements and even favourite walks!