We all face setbacks in life – but it’s not the setback, but keeping moving forward that counts. And with the challenge’s help, we can overcome anything!
PTSD > ‘Changed for good’
“The main reason I took up the challenge is because of PTSD due to being stalked, but I also have facet joint disorder – a type of arthritis in my neck and spine. I was so down. But my therapist said to try and get – out so I signed up to #walk1000miles. It started with just walking round the block, but a few months on and I was walking three miles on my own. Now my husband enjoys walking too, I’m free of pain and I've had some great experiences – including climbing snowdon. Walking changed my life for the good!” – Jenny Riley
Always struggled > ‘Lost weight & positive’
“I’ve always struggled with my weight and I have trouble with low mood and low self esteem. But since taking up the challenge I’ve lost 2st 11lb and noticed a positive boost to my mood both during and after I finish my walk.” – Holly Cockbill
Living alone > ‘A real boost’
“I live alone but getting out for the daily walk has stopped all the negative feelings around my life – and even more dangerous thoughts. Just being out and listening to nature is a real boost. I have arthritis in most joints so long walks can be difficult, but since taking up the 1000 miles challenge five years ago I’ve hit target every year!” – Paul Castle
Old and frail > ‘So many possibilities’
“Turning 60 I had long Covid, zero energy and felt old and frail. But getting out and walking a bit every day, and being part of the 1000 miles community gave me a focus – something to look forward to. I felt the weather on my face, looked out for the little things, and made some lovely connections with people in the group. I gradually made progress, I remember two miles felt wonderful, such an achievement. Now we’ve just walked half the Isle of Wight Coast and have begun the 95 highest tops in the Peak District. I feel so much fitter and there see to be so many walking possibilities. I’ve really walked myself back to who I was!” – Sally Ann Fox
Myeloma > Defying expectations
“I have Myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer. It attacks the bones and so walking helps by increasing your bone density. It’s recommended you do it for 20 minutes or half an hour – my doctor is amazed when I tell her I walk between 3 and 4 miles everyday in order to complete 1000 miles in a year. I was diagnosed just under four years ago and my doctor says I'm stable and doing well”. – Alan Newbold
Sofa > Energy
“I work nights so the temptation to lie on the sofa all day doing nothing is quite strong. But since I started the challenge I've found that walking everyday raises my energy levels and picks up my mood.” – Brendan Rawlings
Chronic fatigue > Quality of life
“I became about 12 yrs ago and my worst, I was sleeping 22 hours a day and could barely move or think. But I started building walking gradually and found having a target gave me something to aim for. I couldn’t do much at first but I could still look at and enjoy nature, and that’s what I did. Now I walk every day and it’s given me a quality of life I could never have imagined. I haven’t been able to reach 1000 miles yet, but it’s great seeing other people succeed and it’s still is my goal – next year I might actually be able to do it!” – Raya Williams
Fear of growing old > Not slowing down
“I see folk ageing around me and I’m afraid of succumbing to the health and mobility issues that seem to catch us all eventually. I also don’t want to have any regrets. But the difference even the shortest of walks can make to your mood, your outlook, your creativity, is immeasurable. I want to continue being able to enjoy the big, beautiful world for as long as I possibly can. And it’s working. I did Ben Nevis 15 years ago and couldn't walk for 3 days. Did it 4 weeks ago and practically skipped up and down again!” – Karen Ritchie
Sedentary & stressed > Energetic & calm
“I’d become sedentary, put on weight, had lost interest in most things and was constantly worried about my elderly mum. Then I read about the 1000 mile challenge – and my life changed the day I signed up. Now I’ve gone from 3 to 4 mile walks to easily walking 12 miles, I’ve joined a couple of local walking groups, made new friends and I love going out on my own taking in the beauty, colours, sights and sounds around me. I'm fitter and calmer, have energy I didn't know I possessed and am enjoying retirement. Walking has changed my life and I will be forever grateful to the 1000 mile challenge!” – Sue Grubb
Lethargy > Spring in my step
“Stress levels from work are high, and I tire more easily than I used to, so getting up early enough to walk before work each morning is not easy. But thanks to the Walk 1000 miles challenge, I do it and it’s helping to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol, keeping me fit, I’m much more alert starting work and I love seeing the changes in nature during the year. Every walk is pure therapy!” – Jacquie Bray
Alcohol > Freedom
“It has helped me to overcome the habit of an over-reliance on alcohol. The more walking I do, the less I want it. I hardly even think about it now!” – Sarah Price
