Tamworth locals are invited to get moving, meet others and support heart health at a community fundraiser being held for International Women’s Day this Sunday.
Heart disease is the leading killer of women, with 20 Australian women dying from cardiovascular disease each day, but walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35 per cent and Type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent.
The International Women’s Day Walk ‘n’ Talk for Heart will run from 8.45am to 11am at the Tamworth Regional Playground, with funds raised going to the Heart Foundation via Walk n Talk for Life Tamworth.
While the event is being held as part of International Women’s Day, organisers said the morning is open to everyone, with the focus on community connection and the very real health benefits that come from simply getting out for a walk and having a chat.
Those who want to walk will head off at 9am for a one-hour walk along the riverbank, but walking is not compulsory, with everyone welcome to come along for the barbecue, social catch-up and fundraising activities.
Heart Foundation supporter and keen walker Lena Curran said walking groups had helped her find community after returning to Tamworth and feeling socially isolated.
“I was very isolated when I first moved back to town,” she said.
“I didn’t really know anyone, but I found this group and I found the Heart Foundation, and I just hit the ground running.
“You just never know where it leads to when you get out and do something.”
Ms Curran said she wanted to celebrate International Women’s Day with this event as it fitted beautifully with this year’s theme of the day, Give To Gain.
“I think we deserve to be celebrated and any opportunity we have to celebrate our strength, who we are, what we do together is fantastic and we’re all a perfect example of this year’s theme,” she said.
“We’re coming together to give to the Heart Foundation so that’s really the message this year: how giving we as women are and to showcase the strength of women.”
Tamworth Walk n Talk For Life organiser Leanie Renton said the Tamworth group began in November 2019 and has become an important meeting point for people who might otherwise stay at home on their own.
“It’s the ability to talk and mix with other people, or not walk and talk with other people, but to be active and out in the open in the community,” she said.
“We’ve been through COVID and found post-COVID it was even more important because of the isolation and the community disconnect where people were afraid to mix again.
“We get people who are recovering, people who’ve moved to town and don’t know anyone, and people who’ve had a hard turn and have been told they need to get fit. There are all sorts of reasons.”
Heart Foundation Walking representative Robyn Barton said walking groups were not only good for physical health, but also give people a reliable routine and a chance to build friendships.
“Our group, Tamworth Trekkers, walks twice a week and we cater for all different paces,” she said.
“It’s a chance to talk to each other, get some exercise, and then we have coffee afterwards for those who can.”
Fundraising on Sunday will include a raffle, books and DVDs for sale, and a barbecue, with a sausage sandwich and cupcake available for $5. Local businesses have also supported the event with prizes, food and drinks.
Everyone is invited to come along, meet new people and support a cause that affects so many in our community. If you can’t make it in person, donations can be made via the QR code on the Walk n Talk for Life Tamworth Facebook page.
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