Derbyshire’s Ann Albans thought she would end up in a wheelchair until she decided to take control and do something amazing. And in #walk1000miles, she’s achieved something she never thought possible
‘I started 2021 much the same as every other year – overweight, miserable and in pain. I’ve suffered with spine problems since birth. I’ve always hated exercise as I either couldn't do it or got teased for doing it differently. I also have endometriosis and PCOS (which affects hormone levels) which doesn't help when trying to lose weight. I lost my mum to dementia in 2018, my mood dropped and I started suffering quite badly with my mental health.
Fast forward to Christmas 2020 and I felt awful – I was in agony with my back and feet, and my knees had joined in for the ride too! I was falling over, breaking bones in my foot, and I just thought enough is enough. I really believed I would end up in a wheelchair if I didn't do something soon.
I saw an advert on Facebook for #walk1000miles and thought never in a million years would I be able to tackle that. I read some of the amazing, inspiring and heartwarming stories and started to think if they can do it, maybe so could I.
The year started off slowly, but as the weather got better we went out in our motorhome and I actually started to enjoy my walks. I can now do six miles easily, and since January I’ve lost three stone.
#walk1000miles has been hugely important – the inspirational stories I read daily on the Facebook group make me realise I'm not the only one with problems. The encouragement I received after my first post makes me wish I'd posted sooner. It’s like being part of a huge supportive family.
My message to others is, you CAN do this! If I can do it, anyone can. Don't beat yourself up if you have days where you just can't do it – another day will come and you’ll smash it.’
