‘We show the less mobile walkers what to expect’

MAKING THE OUTDOORS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

Gina Fox, 58, created theoutdoor Guide.co.uk, a website aimed at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to experience the great outdoors. Current initiatives include walks for those with mobility and sensory issues, and creating affordable outdoor gear packs for schools.

Gina says: ‘I got the idea for the website through working with my sister, former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury. What struck me while filming with her was not just the effect being outdoors had on me, but how it affected other people. I wanted to bottle that feeling and share it. My colleague Debbie North and I test every inch of a walk, film it and upload it, showing less mobile walking enthusiasts exactly what to expect. We also have walks for the visually impaired, which speak to the other senses – smell, touch and hearing.’ Deborah Lawrence, who nominated Gina, says: ‘Gina deserves to be recognised for her hard work in encouraging people to use the countryside through a number of entrepreneurial initiatives on her self-funded and bespoke website. Her persistence to work with charities and organisations like the National Trust and Keep Britain Tidy truly make our beautiful countryside accessible to all.’ w&h