My name is Betty Shipton and I am 75 years old. I have experienced fairly good health even with a tough working life. I lost my husband aged 44, but before that I had a good family life. My family life is still ok with my three children and my 6 grandchildren. I have many interests, including reading, needlework, walking, gardening, caring for others be it mental or physical and I have an active interest in the stroke club.

I have always had an active outdoor lifestyle and needed an additional interest in my retirement years. So I became a walk leader for walking the way to health scheme after reading some leaflets about the walking activities running at Rosliston Forestry Centre.

My life has definitely changed. I am now very VERY active. I don’t look for friends, they attach themselves to me. I feel a massive change in my mental outlook on life and I also have an improvement in my physical health. Physically and mentally, I accept life for what it is.

I would tell others that you should be interested in what activities you choose to do and that keeps you motivated. Keep caring and sharing, get outdoors and enjoy what God has given you for free. And my favorite words to young and old ‘Walk Your Way to Health’!

Finally I would like to say, walking as part of the Get Active in the Forest scheme has become my life in my retirement years!