Belong Macclesfield residents showcase physical fitness at spring walk fundraiser

It was a day to remember at Belong Macclesfield recently, as older people dusted off their walking boots to take part in the community village’s annual exercise fundraiser. This year, 35 residents, accompanied by staff, enjoyed a day in the fresh air, joining in a garden walk to showcase the benefits of exercise for older people and the physical accomplishments that can be achieved at any age.
Belong Macclesfield resident Derek Blunt, 86, who was presented with an achievement award for his commitment to exercise, started this year’s walk with a local brownie group. After completing the walk around the grounds and gardens, participants joined fellow residents and spectators for a well-deserved tea and cake party.
The walking marathon was just one of Belong Macclesfield’s fitness events, as a group from the community village also completed the Macclesfield Forest to Shutlingsloe Challenge, seeing them walk though fields, forests and farmland. Despite the less than spring-like weather, over 30 staff and family members completed the 8-mile fundraiser in good spirits, and even had enough energy to wave their flag at the finish line.
Barbara Tait, fitness instructor at Belong Macclesfield, commented on the recent Garden Walk: “The success of this event is down to the hard work and determination of our residents, who continue to take enjoyment and pleasure out of keeping fit and healthy. Belong Macclesfield is delighted to organise and support activities, like the Garden Walk, to honour our commitment to our residents who maintain their independence through exercise.”
As well as holding events such as these, the village also has a complete exercise studio, which is also open to members of the local community, and gives residents the opportunity to enjoy regular exercise. The village has achieved tremendous results with its exercise programmes, helping to decrease stiffness and pain, lower blood pressure and improve memory and mood.