An Isle of Wight nurse is looking forward to more walking and using the swimming pool after winning the council’s Isle of Wight Walking Festival Walking Challenge.
The event challenged people to increase the average number of steps they take a day over the course of 6 weeks.
At the end of the event, which was held between 21st September and 1st November, Jan Salter, a practice and project support nurse, finished top of the leaderboard having increased her steps by nearly 50 per cent from her baseline.
In total, she walked 223,864 steps, with all the walkers who took part walking 31,444,758 steps over the six weeks.
Her prize is a new pair of Hi-Tec walking boots and a silver One Card which is valid for one year and gives Jan access to health activities at council leisure facilities.
Jan said:
“I feel so much better and fitter since I started walking and I’m losing weight and toning up which gives me more incentive to carry on.
“I was very surprised, but absolutely thrilled to actually win and can’t wait to break in the walking shoes and also begin using my One Card, especially to start swimming.”
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Councillor Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight Council Executive member responsible for public health, added:
“I offer my congratulations to Jan on her excellent achievement.
“The walking challenge is an annual event as part of the walking festival and attracts a lot of friendly competition which is only a good thing.
“The challenge will return in 2016 where it will no doubt attract event more people.”
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival will be held in May. Details will soon be available online at www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk.
Photograph: Jan (left) with Isle of Wight Council events officer, Elaine Cesar/ Isle of Wight Council
