NHS Norfolk NEWS


A historic Norfolk landmark has been selected to host one of 11 national televised events to mark this year’s Walk4Life Day.

ITV Anglia’s Daybreak presenter Luke Farrington will front coverage of the walk at Felbrigg Hall, near Cromer, on Sunday 25 September. Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in the fun.

A number of smaller events will also take place around the country on or around the day, including a community walk in King’s Lynn.

Nick Clarke, Physical Activity Coordinator at Active Norfolk, said: “We’re really excited that Norfolk is getting behind Walk4Life Day. Walking is a great way for the whole family to spend some time together and be active.”

Walk4Life, a part of the Change4Life movement, aims to get people stepping out on their way to a happier, healthier future. Details of Walk4Life Day events can be found on the Walk4Life website, but budding walkers are being encouraged to make strides regardless of where they live.

“Everyone can get involved in Walk4Life Day, it doesn’t matter where you are,” said Alex Lynch, NHS Norfolk’s Change4Life Coordinator.

“Whether you explore our historic towns or see some of the local countryside, it all counts. If there isn’t an event taking place near you, why not get involved by catching up with an old friend over a walk? It’s cheaper and healthier than going out for lunch or coffee.”

The Walk4Life website is also on hand to help find or create routes, with a database of thousands nationwide. For those looking to encourage others to take that first step, free Walk4Life waymarkers are also available to signpost mile long routes.

The Felbrigg Hall walk, with one or three mile options, will take place at 10.30am on Sunday 25 September, with highlights shown on ITV.

A two mile walk will also take place from The Walks Cafe in King’s Lynn at the same time. There is no need to book for either walk, and participants can go at their own pace. See www.walk4life.info for more details.

Information is also available at: www.itv.com/walk4life

Members of the media are welcome to attend either of the walks. Please contact the NHS Norfolk Press Office to confirm which event you would like to attend.

Walk4Life is part of Change4Life, the movement set up to encourage families and adults to eat well, move more and live longer, by making small lifestyle changes that add up to big health benefits.

In July, the four Chief Medical Officers announced new physical activity guidelines for the UK, recommending 150 minutes of activity per week for adults. This can be in bursts of ten minutes or in more structured 30 minute sessions five times a week.

These flexible, bite-size bouts are intended to be easier to manage than previous targets of 30 minutes five times a week. The guidelines also recommend 60 active minutes each day for young people aged five to 18.