Michael’s Story

Michael is one of our Active Oadby and Wigston walk leaders. A much loved walker and past time poet, Michael has a way of making our walking groups open, inclusive and enjoyable for all. Read his story of how he got into walking and becoming a walk leader below.

“Back in September 2021 my wife passed away, I was in a time of uncertainty. I spent that Christmas with my stepson, but on my return home the uncertainty returned. My doctor then referred my to a Local Social Prescriber Link Worker by the name of Charlotte. With her support and guidance things took a turn for the better.

Charlotte introduced me to Active Oadby and Wigston and their local walking groups. This was the best thing she did for me and I will always be thankful for her help and understanding. I then was trained up by Active Oadby and Wigston to become a walk leader, which allowed me to run and organise walks locally with their support and guidance. With the help of others, I am now a walk leader for 3 community groups walks in the Oadby and Wigston district.

The reason I became Walk Leader is because the groups I was with helped me and I wanted to give something back to the groups that helped me and keep them going.

As I got more involved with the groups I found myself writing short rhymes about Brock’s Hill and the local country side. I made a 10 page anthology which Active Oadby and Wigston had printed for those that wanted a copy. I continued writing and Charlotte kept saying I should publish. Moving forward it wasn’t till June 2023 that I found confidence to publish. And I published again July this year, and now into my third.

The other focus in my life is Headway Leicestershire Leicester and Rutland, I am also a volunteer for them too. I help at Day Centre and support them through give a proportion of my royalties from my books”.

Michael was vital to getting the newly installed defibrillator in Brocks Hill Country Park in Oadby and supported the project right from the start emphasising the importance of having these kits readily available to members of the local community.

If you’re interested in becoming a walk leader then please email info@activeblaby.org.uk