Since first taking part in Derby County Community Trust’s activities in 2016, Husband and Wife duo Garry and Bharti Chadwick now have a new outlook on life – forging new friendships, losing weight and enjoying several new experiences along the way.

It was 61 year old Garry who started the duo’s association with the Trust, registering on the Walking Football programme, suggested by partners Livewell – a recommendation which started quite the journey.

Garry said “Before joining I'd not played football for 10 years, I had played local Saturday and Sunday football in Derby and had seen walking football on the Barclays adverts - but never imagined how great it would be for me personally.

“It was through walking football that Bharti got involved, joining the team in Portugal on the first overseas tour and since then she’s been helping to raise funds for the charity, which all started with the first curry night!

“We are both diabetic and the Trust has helped us both to lose weight and exercise more. We currently walk about 50,000 steps a week as a couple and lead a walk as part of Derby City Council’s Live Well programme. We easily walk five to six miles now after struggling to do three before.”

The couple are now regular attendees at a number of sessions, Garry has continued to attend the Walking Football sessions along with the Book Club, whilst Bharti, 62, can often be found immersed in recipes at the Cookery Group, as well as making new friends with the Knit and Natter sessions.

Bharti added “Derby County Community Trust has encouraged us to get involved in social and competitive activities. We are both much fitter and have benefited from the trust's activities.

“Having retired from work, the Trust has given us the chance to get involved with a number of local groups which was difficult when we were in full time employment.

“We have made many new friends and regularly take part in extracurricular activities with the extended walking football family”

Forever Active