A Macclesfield mum will walk one million steps this summer, to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK.

Former primary school supply teacher and care worker Ruth Brown (62) has lived in Macclesfield all her life.

However, it is only in 2021 where the Langley-born grandmother has taken up walking as a hobby.

She quit her job for mental health reasons during last year's lockdown, but still ended up feeling worse.

"During lockdown I ended up not leaving the house, hardly moving around and my joints became very, very stiff," said Ruth.

"And with the anxiety I had it was causing a lot of problems and a lot of pain. I got a physio for it which helped a little bit, but it made me realise a lot of the pain was due to the inactivity.

"I was sort of panicking, my blood pressure was going up, I'd got high cholesterol and I was the heaviest weight I'd ever been in my life.

"It was quite worrying really. I was really fearful of getting Type 2 diabetes."

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But it was only after a friend invited her for a stroll as restrictions eased in the third lockdown, that she began to realise what benefits walking could bring to her.

After hearing about the Diabetes UK One Million Step Challenge, she will now undergo an epic three-month walk to traverse the Macclesfield countryside and other local beauty spots slightly further afar.

These include Sutton (Turks Head) Reservoir, along with Macclesfield's parks and canals.

"I like Rudyard Lake [in Staffordshire] the most, it is like going on holiday. I also love Langley, it really makes you appreciate what is all around our Macclesfield area," she added.

"The walk is helping a charity, but it it also helping me. For my long-term health it'll be good.

"I tend to sit less now, and I feel less guilty when I do sit now. I've also given up alcohol, and lost a stone so far.

"Walking up hills are a struggle but I've kept on going and will do for my challenge.

"So far, I've learned that I need to look after myself better and I need to stop worrying. I'm a terrible worrier and I've realised instead you've got to enjoy your life.

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"My message to the people of Macclesfield would be to just get out there. Walking has really allowed me to connect with nature."

Ruth has raised £300 so far, before she has even taken a step in her challenge. 27 people have donated, as of publication of this article.

She hopes to raise £500 for Diabetes UK. But may likely go over that target, in addition to exceeding her steps goal.

You can donate to Ruth's cause, and find her step progress here.

More information is also on Diabetes UK's website.

All charities have suffered during the pandemic, so Macclesfield Nub News commends Ruth her fundraising for a lesser known charity, and for highlighting the preventable Type 2 Diabetes with her walk.

Ruth is also walking in the the Christie's 10k as training for the event, another charity exercise event we reported on last week.

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