Fundraisers of all ages and abilities braved the weather and put their best foot forward in aid of Norwood on Sunday during its annual Waterside Walk. The walk was held amid the lush surroundings of Windsor Great Park and raised more than £5,000 for the Charity, which supports people with learning disabilities and children and families in need. The group of around 40 walkers included people who live in Norwood’s supported living and residential homes in Berkshire, Redbridge and north-west London.
Norwood resident Lorraine Lakin used it as a good opportunity to put into practice some of the skills she has learned through Norwood’s day opportunities programme. Lorraine, 48, who works at Norwood’s Deli in Hendon, is a keen participant in Norwood’s healthy eating programme, Weigh to Go, and weekly aerobics classes run by its Sports Coordinator Eon Walters. “It was my first walk and was a real achievement for me,” she said. “I wanted to get fit and healthy, and so did a bit of training before the walk.”
Lorraine, who lives in Norwood supported living accommodation in East Finchley, added: “It was a really nice day and I had fun talking to people as I walked along. It was really nice to receive the certificate at the end of the walk and I definitely want to do something like this again.”
Ian Tate, Norwood’s Head of Challenges, said: “Windsor Great Park is a stunning venue for the Waterside Walk and, despite the slightly wet and windy weather, everyone who took part had a wonderful time, On behalf of Norwood, I’d like to thank them for their support. The Charity offers a range of Challenges for all ages and abilities. They are a great way to get fit and healthy while raising money for a good cause at the same time, so why not sign up for one of our events over the summer.”
The next Norwood Challenge for younger fundraisers will be the Junior Bike Ride on Sunday, 20 June. For more information about the Junior Bike Ride or any of Norwood’s Challenges throughout the year, please visit www.norwood.org.uk/challenges
