Awards honour our active living heroes
HEALTHY living pioneers from across the borough have been honoured at Halton’s Get Active awards.
Jenny Devanney, 73, of Widnes started health walks two-years ago with her Zimmer frame after a doctor told her she would need to lose weight for knee replacement surgery.
She attended the Fresh Start weight management programme operated by Halton’s Health Improvement Team alongside Walking For Health, and as weeks went by she walked further without noticing how far she had travelled without a rest.
Determined to make more advances, she continued to turn up every week and mill around Victoria Park in Widnes and soon the frame was discarded for a walking stick.
Jenny lost four stone and is now walking her dog around the park a few times a week.
Beryl Carolann, walk leader, said she was proud of Jenny.
She said she had known Jenny when they were younger and that it was lovely to see her years later and the progress she was making.
Jenny said: “Walking for Health around Victoria Park and following advice from Fresh Start has changed my life.”
Derek Gates, 64, of Runcorn, was named Volunteer Of The Year, having set up a health walk in Runcorn more than a decade ago, which now has a regular turnout of 20-25 participants every week.
As the group’s popularity grew, Derek spent many hours researching routes by checking them, assessing them for risk and timing them.
The Wednesday walking event now has 16 different options to walk.
A Get Active awards spokesman said: “His local knowledge is fascinating.
“Derek has kept on top of his first aid qualification and on occasion has treated minor injuries using the first aid kit he carries in his rucksack.
“Derek also volunteers as a presenter with radio Halton in Halton Hospital, and he takes the time to visit and chat to patients.
“He has a passion to help other people bringing pleasure into their lives.”
Paula Parle and Jane Rhodes, Halton Borough Council sport and physical activity officers, presented the awards and said they were proud of the winners’ commitment and determination to help others.
Cllr Phil Harris (sport) said: “These inspirational people have really led by example. They are the unsung heroes and we are glad to bring them into the spotlight.”
The event was organised by Halton Borough Council and backed by the Get Active forum and Liverpool Housing Trust.