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Move Mates Stories: Jean and Kate

Our second Durham pairing have been getting moving!

Find out about Kate's experience and the impact volunteering to walk once a week has had on her

Jean was referred to Move mates Durham through Age UK and was paired with Kate in July.

They went for their first walk together in the rain, which was in stark contrast to the heatwave we'd been experiencing earlier in the week. Kate had been unsure as to whether Jean would want to walk in the rain, but went anyway and was pleased to see Jean's enthusiasm as she said a little rain never hurt anyone. They kept their first walk short to test it out, and walked for around fifteen minutes around the estate, chatting about family and gardens. Kate particularly enjoyed being called a 'youngster' by Jean - that really made her day!

Photo of Jean and Kate (volunteer), a Move Mate pairing out on a walk
Jean and Kate on their first walk

“I had a lovely time. Kate is really friendly, and I really enjoyed meeting and chatting with her. You do not realise how far you are walking when you are chatting.“

Jean

Our Move Mates project in Durham has been helped by the enthusiasm for volunteering by a local running group. 'Durham Mums on the Run' volunteers made up four of Durham's first five pairings, and Kate is one of those.

Kate's own words tell us about how she has found the experience so far:

"Why I like volunteering with Move Mates: As a coach of a women’s running group in Durham I know first hand how absolutely vital both movement and community is for a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Lockdown highlighted how difficult it can be for people when both of these are curtailed. When Hannah set up Move Mates in Durham volunteering just felt like a natural fit for me; I’m loving it as it’s so easy to do, honestly just an hour or so a week can make a huge difference to someone's life! I’ve been paired with an older lady, Jean, and we’ve been enjoying our weekly walks. She’s getting out and walking further each week (and says she feels so much more confident when I’m with her) and she has helped me slow down on my walks and just observe life around us and I’ve loved hearing stories from her growing up in the area. She’s given me a different perspective on going for a walk and it’s been fantastic to be able to spend time with her. I think it’s been great for both of us!”

Find Durham Mums on the Run here: Durham Mums on the Run

View of Durham cathedral taken on a walk by a volunteer Move Mate
This photo marks quite the achievement for Jean as it's her longest walk to date in order to get a view of the cathedral
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If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering, or in referring somebody who may need a Move Mate, visit our home page

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