Getting out in the fresh air for a seaside walk, or a bike ride at Shoebury Garrison, has made all the difference to Lindsay Rudd after her husband passed away.
Lindsay, 60, from Southend, is a regular at some of free activities that are run by Blue Therapy Active in Southend, which include cold water swimming, walking, pack-crafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding and adventure excursions.
It all began last year when Lindsay happened to see the group out teaching watersports.
She said: “I was sitting on the beach last August when I spotted people in the water. I went up to Del, the organiser, and asked him if it was something anyone could join in with and he explained that it was.
“He was so welcoming and friendly, I immediately felt at ease and wanted to find out more about what they do. I had lost my husband, who was also called Del, and it was at the point where I was starting to look for positive things to fill my time.”
The group is open to people of all ages, background and abilities. Lindsay now takes part in the weekly “walk of the weekend” 5km walk every Monday at 6.30pm from Camelia Hotel in Southend, and the Friday “cycling into the weekend” meet up at 9am where they travel along the paths at Shoebury Garrison.
Sarah-Jane Coombes and partner Del Christie founded the group three years ago and the sessions are designed for all ages and abilities.
“For me it is the social side of it that I enjoy the most. I had a nice bike for years but never used it - now I am out on it each week, and thoroughly enjoy it,” said Lindsay.
“It also pushes me to do more. I walked nine miles out of 13 miles in the Benfleet to Shoebury walk, something I would not have thought I would do prior to getting involved in Blue Therapy Active.”
For Sarah-Jane it is about bring people together for a positive experience.
“We welcome everyone to the activities, from parents bringing babies in prams to the walks to friends forged through braving the freezing waters on a cold water swim, it’s about getting outside and feeling good.”
Visit www.bluetherapyac Visit www.bluetherapyactive.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here