TV star Lucy-Jo Hudson might be Wild At Heart – but she’s also wild about walking.
The Leeds actress pulled on her boots today (Feb 13) to officially launch Wake Up To Walking, a new campaign that encourages people to stroll or hike their way to a healthier lifestyle.
Lucy-Jo, who featured in ITV’s Wild At Heart as well as Coronation Street, walks three to four miles a day and wants others to discover the benefits of getting into the great outdoors.
Wake Up To Walking has been launched by Jane Tomlinson’s Walk For All group to help mark the start of the countdown to three major walking events later this year. They will take place in the Peak District on April 28, the Yorkshire Dales on August 18 and the Lake District on September 8.
Lucy-Jo, who is 29 and originally from Garforth, said today: “I really enjoy walking. I go out every day with my dog, Rudi, and it’s such a great form of exercise.
“What’s great is that you can go out for an hour and you don’t even feel you have done any exercise because it is so easy.”
Rothwell mum Jane Tomlinson completed a series of epic fundraising challenges – including marathons, ironmen events and a 4,200-mile bike ride across America – after being diagnosed with the incurable cancer that claimed her life in 2007.
She was also a keen walker, which prompted her family to launch a series of fundraising walks two years ago.
Jane’s husband Mike, who leads Walk For All, said: “Jane really enjoyed walking and as a family we would go off for the day to explore the countryside, traipsing through fields and up and down hills. We all loved it.
“That inspired our series of walks in wanting to make them accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.
“At each event, there is something for everyone, from a five-mile family walk up to 25 or 28-mile treks.”
The walks raise funds for a string of charities, including the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Martin House Children’s Hospice and Macmillan.
* Entries for this year’s Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Lake District walks are now open.
Prices range from £8 to £20, depending on the event and the route chosen.
For more details, go to: www.forallevents.co.uk/walk-for-all