Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey joined Brinnington residents for a Life Leisure Community Walk as part of National Walking Month and the GM Walking Festival.
Dame Sarah, who also serves as Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, travelled to the walk by train before continuing her journey by bus from Stockport Interchange to Brinnington, reflecting the importance of active and sustainable travel across the region. On arrival, she was warmly welcomed by the group with a round of applause before setting off to walk and talk with participants through Reddish Vale Country Park.
The walk brought together people of all ages and abilities, highlighting the role walking plays in supporting health, wellbeing and social connection. Participants had the opportunity to walk alongside Dame Sarah, sharing conversations and enjoying the green spaces on their doorstep.
Dame Sarah Storey said: “I spent so many years training as a swimmer in Stockport, but there are so many nooks and green spaces I didn’t realise existed. It was fantastic to explore this morning and see the waterways, the green spaces and even the architecture around us. I love it here in Stockport.”
A proud Stopfordian, being born in Cheadle Hulme and spent many years training locally, including at Grand Central baths. Returning to the borough provided a chance to reconnect with the area and discover places she had not experienced before.
Dame Sarah also reflected on the importance of walking in everyday life, drawing on her own experiences growing up.
“Walking has always been a big part of my life, as a child, my family holidays were all about being outdoors, climbing, exploring and just spending time in nature. Walking is such a great way to get out, experience your surroundings and get fresh air. I feel very lucky to live close to great walks and it’s always a pleasure to see where other people walk too.”
The walk, led by Stockport Moving Together partners Life Leisure and Age UK Stockport through the Live Well approach, showcases the strength of these partnerships in supporting residents to be more active in accessible, inclusive and community focused ways.
For information on local walking groups in Stockport, visit: www.lifeleisure.net/walking/
Listen to Sarah’s Story on the BBC.
