Fans challenged to walk this way for good health

UNFIT Barnsley FC fans are being encouraged to take part in a walking competition, as part of a new health scheme organised by the local health service and working men’s clubs.

Latest figures from NHS Barnsley show that 25.8 per cent of adults in the town are obese – which is above the national average of 23.6 per cent.

A survey carried out in 2008 also showed that 10.4 per cent of reception year and 21.2 per cent of Year 6 children are obese, and a third is overweight or obese. Up to 97 per cent of those obese children come from families with obese adults.

NHS Barnsley is setting up walking groups of up to six men aged between 50 and 64, who will compete in individual and group competitions over the next 12 weeks.

Participants, who are being recruited through the working men's clubs, will be given free pedometers to record their steps and will have their Body Mass Index (BMI) checked to monitor their progress in losing weight.

Individuals who reduce their BMI the most or achieve walk targets will be rewarded.

Walk co-ordinator Nick Gillott said: “Men told us that they want to get fitter and also like a bit of competition, which is why we’ve set football fans a proper challenge with lots of opportunities for those who want to lose weight to win great prizes.”

The top prize, a Barnsley FC season ticket, will be awarded to the person who walks the most steps and loses the most weight.

Individuals that reach specific walk targets during the contest will receive fruit and vegetable coupons worth 5.

Alison Millbourn, physical activity lead for NHS Barnsley, added: "The initiative is designed to help a group of men who we know can significantly lower their risk of developing ill-health through getting back into regular exercise.

“Walking in a group is fun and is an easy way for men and women to be more active.”

The initiative comes shortly after a similar scheme was launched in Sheffield, which saw health “MOTs” being offered to Sheffield Wednesday fans.

The “Healthy Owls” scheme, in partnership with NHS Sheffield and Sheffield University’s Goodwin Sports Centre, involves staff from Sheffield University carrying out blood pressure, body fat and height and weight checks, as well as discussing exercise regimes and offering diet tips.

Those who wish to take part in the walking competition in Barnsley should contact Andrea Wood, Barnsley community walking development officer, on 01226 736644.