Testimonials
Sue Turford
Nordic Walk Leader
Started walking with YNWA Volunteers in 2014
I had always wanted to go Nordic Walking but working full time prevented it. I couldn't have envisaged that being ill would be the reason I would finally take it up.
In November 2013, I was diagnosed with a meningioma tumour pressing against the nerves of my spine, this condition had caused me some difficulty for over 6 months to the point that I couldn't use my right leg and was reduced to using crutches and became housebound.
Following a successful operation to remove the tumour in November 2013, then several months of physio I finally came off crutches in April 2014 and joined the GP referral scheme.
To my delight, I discovered that Nordic Walking was one of the exercises on offer. With my doctor's agreement I started Nordic Walking in April 2014.
Nordic walking helped me so much, especially with my balance which had been very bad due to the pressure of the tumour. However, walking with two poles gives you the confidence to walk again. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekly Nordic walks and became good at it. My instructor Liz, asked if I would like to train as an instructor.
So in early 2015, I completed the necessary training courses to become a Nordic Walk Instructor, and am still doing it today on Tuesday mornings.​
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Margaret de Cordova
Regular Nordic Walker with YNWA Volunteers
Tuesday, 9.15am, walking boots on, fleece at the ready, poles in hand - it’s a Nordic Walking morning! A pre-arranged meeting place - Graig Fawr, the Beaches car park, the Brickfield pond; each venue providing a different destination and a different walk. Sue takes us through our warm up routine from toes to shoulders. She reminds us of the correct way to use our poles, to 'squash lemons' with our feet and to look ahead. Arthur leads us off, our Nordic poles clipped in place. Sue and Kenn take turns back-marking.
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We take in the views around Gronant, Meliden, Dyserth , Prestatyn, Rhuddlan, and Rhyl. We walk uphill, over stiles, across meadows, along the cob, through dunes, along the beach, ford streams and explore woodland. We walk whatever the weather — there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!
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Kenn helps us with our bird-spotting on the estuary and in the woodland, we meet curious cattle as we cross fields, Arthur, our Nordic Horse Whisperer, makes friends with the horses we encounter. Sue and Janet expand our knowledge of the flora we see along the way. Arthur, Sue and Ken between them fill us in on the history and folklore of where we are and what we can and can’t see. We chat easily with each other as we walk. We stop and take in the spectacular views from a whole range of vantage points and draw breath before making our descent.
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And all too soon, we are back at our starting point. We unclip our poles, form a circle and cool down with Sue, stretching from our toes to our shoulders, making that last stretch count!
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Three years and a hundred plus Nordic walks, Tuesday 10am is a regular on my calendar, whatever the destination or the weather.
Pauline Egan
First recipient of the 500 Walks badge award
I moved to Wales some years ago and had a love of walking and the outdoors. I decided a good way to get to know the area and make new friends was to join the “You'll Never Walk Alone” scheme. I also liked a challenge, so my dog, Honey and I walked nearly every day on the various walks.
I was so proud to be the first recipient of the 500 walks badge. Needless to say I have made many friends through the scheme and the walk leaders have been so friendly and supportive.
If you are looking for fun, friends and laughter come along and join them. You won't be disappointed!​
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Jacqueline Cooke
Started walking with YNWA Volunteers in 2022
Hubby and I began walking with You'll Never Walk Alone 2-3 years ago now. Monday seemed the right one initially, being the easiest for starters. My first walk was along the old railway track to Meliden golf club and back, 45 mins. I enjoyed chatting with the leader and other walkers whilst admiring the natural habitat of trees, birds and wildlife. The seasonal colour changes of the leaves were a sight to behold. By the time we got there I was really aching and quite out of breath. I had to sit down for a few minutes, I was so glad there was a seat there. I was overweight - approx. 15 stone. I'm only 4ft 10.5 ins so my BMI must have been sky high. It didn't bother me normally, but the walk made me realise how much out of condition I was. The leader at the time said you'll soon get used to it if you keep practicing, which I did.
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I started my weight loss journey at 15st 2lb guided by a qualified fitness instructor who knew exactly how to treat me. I was then aged seventy-three and had two hip replacements. I started running to the nearest lamppost and walked back, until I could run back and to. I continued to progress and started running around the block where I live. I was encouraged by others to do more. My fitness coach gradually started introducing more movements to ease more muscle stimulation. Within a few months, weight was coming off and 19 months later I had lost 5 stone and could regularly run 3 miles.
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As well as running, we joined a couple of walking groups and ended up walking a few days a week. In 2024 I successfully completed a training course as a Volunteer Walk Leader and am now helping lead the Monday afternoon walk. My Hubby and I have met so many interesting people through our walking groups. We also enjoy a social life with some of the regular walkers who wanted to join us for a drink in the local afterwards, & now a few of us often go out together in the evenings, socially.
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Without making that first initial move to join, YNWA, my life would have been so different. I'm loving my new life and feel so much healthier and fitter.
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We would love to hear from you. Send your testimonials to us using the contact form below, or you can email us at ynwavolunteers@gmail.com
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