Walking
Walking is a great way to move, make friends or enjoy me time.
Date: 12 September 2025 Author: Energise Me
My name’s Martyn. I live in Hampshire. I enjoyed sport throughout my boyhood, but once I had my own children and businesses to run there just didn’t seem to be any time.
Ten years ago, I had two strokes. The second one was severe and it’s only because of the NHS that I am here today. At the time, I was unable to talk, walk or even sit up in bed.
Recovery started slowly and continues to this day. My first challenge was walking a single step with a Zimmer frame. Then it was ten steps along the corridor using crutches. Eventually, I left the hospital in a wheelchair.
This year I am walking 2,500,000 steps and swimming 250km (10,000 lengths) for the NHS charity, Brighterway.
The distance of 52 marathons in the 52 weeks of 2025.
Walking gave me the chance to swim with my grandkids, walk my daughter down the aisle, and soon I’ll celebrate 40 years of marriage. Those moments count. That’s why I walk.
I first turned to walking because I had to. After my stroke, it was the only way to get around. With help from family and friends, I slowly built-up stamina. It’s done wonders for both my body and mind. Walking also became social (and still is!). I can’t run anymore because of balance, but I can ride a motorbike again, which feels like a win.
I’ve tried weights, pilates, even bowls, but I always come back to walking and swimming. They’re simple, steady, and they work. Over time, I’ve seen how walking changes people. Physically, you move better, get stronger, and gain confidence. For me, I used to trip all the time. Now I can walk without worrying. That confidence spills into life: you smile more, reconnect, have fun, make friends.
And to anyone who thinks walking “doesn’t count,” I’d say this: health, like life, is a journey. Mine restarted with one step. Walking gave me the chance to swim with my grandkids, walk my daughter down the aisle, and soon I’ll celebrate 40 years of marriage. Those moments count. That’s why I walk.
Just do it.
Start slow – remember that I began with a single step – and build up gradually. Walk with friends or family; they will encourage you and ensure you are safe. Personally, I found talking made the physical walk seem easier. Try walking in different areas with different views to keep it fresh. And don’t be too hard on yourself. If you ache the next day, have a rest day to recover and go again tomorrow.
Many physical and mental health conditions can be helped, or even avoided, by being more active. So, I wanted to raise awareness of this while also helping a charity I am passionate about.
I want to encourage Hampshire to get active. Both to have a better quality of life and avoid health issues like my stroke. Many physical and mental health conditions can be helped, or even avoided, by being more active. So, I wanted to raise awareness of this while also helping a charity I am passionate about.
Brighterway supports Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS. They raise funds to provide things the government don’t. A couple of local examples include:
I hope to do more for our patients who are having a tough time and need encouragement to work on their health issues, be they physical, mental or both – like me.
Don’t worry – I’m not asking you to walk 52 marathons!
But please do join my September Step-A-Thon.
Set yourself a steps target in September, raise some money for the NHS and take those first steps towards a healthier future you.
Or join me on September 18th at Hart Leisure Centre, Fleet to raise funds and have fun. Starts at 10am from the Everyone Active car park. Short 2.6km walk. All are welcome!
Or join another public Step-A-Thon event on October 5th in Victoria Park, Portsmouth.
(You can find other social walking opportunities near you by visiting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Activity Finder!)
Watch ‘Life After Stroke – Martyn’s story’ on YouTube to learn more about his story.
Helping us tackle inactivity to boost health and happiness
