The Healing Powers of a Simple Cornish Walk

Saturday 18th June 2011

Two years ago, Russell Thomas from Penzance was overweight, depressed and lonely. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since he was thirteen, he had recently also been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of forty seven. On top of being unemployed, he found himself at the age of fifty one, unable to enjoy life.

“Two year ago I was in a pickle,” says Russell. “Most days found me struggling to cope with my diabetes and aspergers and I was very unhappy and felt alone. So when an occupational therapist suggested joining a walking group I was a little dubious. I couldn’t see how a few little strolls would help me cope with everything.” 

Reluctantly and with little enthusiasm, Russell gave it a go and joined a walking group called Mobilise – run by UK charity Sustrans in partnership with the Health Promotion Service of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT. Within weeks he began to realise how something so simple as walking could hugely improve his outlook on life as well as his health. 

“I was given a friendly welcome by all the group walkers,” says Russell, “which put me at ease from the start. Within weeks I had noticed real changes to my health. My energy level had improved, breathing was less laboured and even my blood glucose levels had stabilised. Over the following months, my stamina had improved markedly, which influenced everyday tasks like shopping and housework that I had previously found exhausting. And I began to lose weight too – so far I’ve lost nearly 4 stone since last September”. 

Without a family to support him, friendships play an important part on Russell‘s life and making more through the walks has been a wonderful experience. 

“I've found the cheery banter and kind acceptance a real tonic to my sense of well being. The walks are so relaxed and are a great way to socialise. It has a really therapeutic effect and after a walk I do feel energised. Friends have commented on how much more active and positive I have become lately.

“ Now with new vigour and confidence in himself, Russell is training to be a walk leader. He has found a new outlook on life and living with his conditions, and he is also training to be an advocate for Pentreath – a social enterprise that works with referred clients with long term mental health conditions.  

“Now I am a seasoned veteran, who welcomes other new walkers to our 'happy few'. I hope that I can show other people like me that feeling better can be as easy as getting out for a quick walk. I feel like a new man now that I’ve found a simple way to feel better physically and mentally. That and Cornwall's natural beauty have done the rest.”  

Russell is available for further interview on request.

 Sustrans’ Mobilise! Project is a Cornwall-wide initiative that aims to get people more active, more often, through cycling and walking. Mobilise! is a free and friendly way to gently exercise in Cornwall's great outdoors and welcomes anyone, regardless of age or ability. It organises regular cycle rides and walks on beautiful trails and paths in Cornwall.  If you would like to get involved or find out more about the project, please call: 01209 313419, email info@mobilise-cornwall.org.uk or visit www.mobilise-cornwall.org.uk

The Sustrans website - www.sustrans.org.uk - has a free online map service to discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike. Search for local or national routes, plot journeys, or find what the local area has to offer from schools, supermarkets and local landmarks to car clubs, bus stops and bike shops.