Graham tells on BBC how he walked off four stone
ASUPER slimmer has gone from couch potato to the BBC breakfast TV couch after losing an impressive four stone.
Graham Ward from Offerton shed the pounds after taking up walking when he was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and was invited on the show to launch Public Health England’s ‘One You’ walking campaign.
He described to the nation how joining the council’s Walk Stockport programme changed his life – two years after his diagnosis he has his diabetes under control and no longer needs medication.
“I had great fun and it inspired me to walk further and faster and gener- ally do more exercise,” he said. “Taking that first step of going for a walk was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
“I hope my story encourages others to take up walking.”
The One You campaign encourages adults to build at least 10 minutes of continuous brisk walking into their day. It coincides with the publication of a study which found that four in 10 people aged 40 to 60 in the north west walk for less than 10 minutes continuously each month.
Public Health England has launched a free mobile app called ‘Active 10’, which measures the duration and intensity of walking and offers hints and tips.
Stockport councillor Tom McGee, cabinet member for health, said: “Graham’s story is inspiring and I would encourage people to download the Active 10 app and build brisk walking into your routine, as I’m trying to do.
“If you need additional support and want to join our Walk Stockport scheme contact our Start Team on 474 3141.”
Dr Vicci Owen-Smith, clinical director at NHS Stockport, added: “If walking was a drug it would be regarded as a miracle cure. Brisk walking can lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke and cancer.
“In addition it can improve your mood and help you maintain a healthy weight.”
For more information and to download the app visit nhs.uk/oneyou/ active10/home, or for ways to get walking in Stockport visit stockport. gov.uk/ways-to-get-walking.