by MEHREEN KHAN
Healthy Heaton partnership is working together to encourage and inspire the community to walk around the world in 80 days this summer.
On Sunday, the partnership launched the Healthy Heaton challenge with a community day with a difference. This has motivated many, including a volunteer from Upper Heaton Working Together group who explained: “We need to do this for our children and change the way we live our lives and build activity into our every day routine. Health is wealth these days and with obesity and diabetes on the rise in our community we have to do our bit to reverse this trend.”
Local residents could enjoy the free event if they joined in the challenge doing laps of the 500m track around Haworth Road Park. Residents also took part in touch rugby sessions, children’s wacky races, scavenger crafts, face painting and had a go on four giant inflatables. There were different bikes to try including a penny-farthing, 4-seater, and mountain bikes from the youth service.
It’s free, good for your health, brings the community together and is also very enjoyable, as Cllr Mohammed Amran, chair of Bradford West Area Committee said: “Sunday was a fantastic community day promoting healthy lifestyles and community spirit. It was a great effort by volunteers. We now need residents to take up the challenge and walk with us to meet our 29,000 miles – the equivalent of walking around the world.”
Children brought their broken bikes to be mended for free which proved to be very popular, and Bradford Bikery is going to hold follow-on sessions to meet the demand as it was very popular. Local people also signed up to adult cycling lessons, yoga and the re-launch of the ladies only walking club on Monday evenings which further promotes healthier lifestyles for the community.
Staff from local organisations such as HALE, BYDP and Sharing Voices were on hand to give free health advice as well as a stall on Healthy eating and growing your own food was supported by volunteers. The event is followed by 80 days of community activities and residents of Heaton are invited to join the challenge
Beckfoot Heaton Primary are leading the way by promoting their 1km day, Salem Rugby have free touch rugby sessions, Bradford Youth service will have bike taster sessions throughout the holidays with plenty more. For more information or to get involved visit https://healthyheaton.org/
