West Lindsey women among volunteers given special community awards

Two volunteers who run health walks in Gainsborough and West Lindsey have been honoured with special community awards.
The award presentation group, from left: Ian Kendrick, Ann Ransome, Carol Wilkinson, Sue Ellison, Rosemary Saunders, Andrew Kiddle, Karen Bridges, Ann Bradshaw, Ernie Wilkinson, Brian Holman, Sue Crew, Paul Frodsham, Stuart Parker (Lincolnshire Co-op). Picture: Steve SmailesThe award presentation group, from left: Ian Kendrick, Ann Ransome, Carol Wilkinson, Sue Ellison, Rosemary Saunders, Andrew Kiddle, Karen Bridges, Ann Bradshaw, Ernie Wilkinson, Brian Holman, Sue Crew, Paul Frodsham, Stuart Parker (Lincolnshire Co-op). Picture: Steve Smailes
The award presentation group, from left: Ian Kendrick, Ann Ransome, Carol Wilkinson, Sue Ellison, Rosemary Saunders, Andrew Kiddle, Karen Bridges, Ann Bradshaw, Ernie Wilkinson, Brian Holman, Sue Crew, Paul Frodsham, Stuart Parker (Lincolnshire Co-op). Picture: Steve Smailes

Ann Bradshaw and Judith Blow joined 11 other award winners at the special ceremony at Market Rasen racecourse.

All the winners were recognised for helping people stay fit and happy.

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There are more than 60 regular, volunteer-led health walks around Lincolnshire.

They come under the national Walking for Health scheme ran by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ann has been leading walks since 2008 for Gainsborough and has promoted the scheme at four different health organisations.

She’s even won recognition at the Lincolnshire Sports Awards for her work.

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Judith helped set up the West Lindsey Walk Well group and has walked weekly since 2008 with them and the Gainsborough health walks.

Group members described her as compassionate and a great baker!

Ann and Judith were both presented with a Linconshire Co-op Special Recognition Award by Stuart Parker, Lincolnshire Co-op board member.

Lincolnshire Co-op began supporting health walks in Lincoln, South Kesteven and East Lindsey in April and is working alongside existing co-ordinators in South Holland, North Kesteven and West Lindsey and community group Boston Health Walks.

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The group walks boost people’s physical and mental health by helping them meet others, enjoy their local area and feel fitter.

The walks last between 30 and 90 minutes and run once a week.

It is the volunteers like Ann and Judith whose time and hard work make them possible.

Carly Pillay, Lincolnshire Co-op community and health walks co-ordinator Carly Pillay said: “It’s important to say thank you because the determination and dedication of the volunteers, come rain or shine, means the health walks can go ahead.

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“Each of the winners were put forward by other volunteers and the nominations just blew us away.

“The winners all go the extra mile, whether that’s supporting others on the walks, encouraging people to join up or doing vital work to keep them going.

“Helping people stay healthy is important to us and we’re proud to work with all the volunteers.”

The full roll of honour is: Special recognition award: Ann Bradshaw (Gainsborough), Ann Ransome (Lincoln/Nettleham), Brian Holman (North Kesteven), Ian Kendrick (North Kesteven), Judith Blow (West Lindsey/Gainsborough), Karen Bridges (Boston), Paul Frodsham (Lincoln), Rosemary Saunders (Boston), Sue Crew (East Lindsey), Sue Ellison (South Kesteven). Long service award: Ernie and Carol Wilkinson (East Lindsey).

To find a walk near you, or information, visit www.lincolnshire.coop/healthwalks