Move More walk leader George honoured

A Scottish Borders woman has picked up a prestigious award after leading walks for people affected by cancer.

Georgiana Craster, who is known as George, is a Macmillan Cancer Friendly trained volunteer Walk Leader who has been supporting two Macmillan Cancer Friendly Walks in Jedburgh and Kelso over the past two years.

Live Borders deliver the Move More programme in the Scottish Borders area.

The walks are part of Move More Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support’s national campaign to ensure that people living with cancer are supported to become physically active. Supported by Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All, the walks can help prevent and manage fatigue, depression and risks to heart health associated with treatment.

Earlier this month, George was recognised as Macmillan Walk Leader of the Year by Paths for All at its annual Volunteer Awards at the Scottish Parliament.

“Winning the award was amazing. I feel very touched that I am able to help people and that they want to walk and talk to me, and in doing that it’s improving their wellbeing,” she said.

“The people on the walks are just fantastic.”

George, who is originally from Windsor but now lives in Jedburgh, became involved with Macmillan when her mum and later her sister were coping with cancer.

“Macmillan were superb through everything, and I wondered how I could repay them,” she said.

“I knew I liked walking and Macmillan and Paths for All were beginning to set up cancer friendly walks in the area.”

George now leads walks on Mondays in Jedburgh and on Wednesdays in Kelso.

She added: “The awards night coincided with the anniversary of my sister’s death, so the award is really dedicated to her. It made the evening very emotional so for once I was speechless.”

Charlotte Jones, Health and Physical Activity Development Officer at Live Borders said Georgiana is an invaluable member of the Move More Borders team.

“She not only volunteers each week in the Macmillan friendly walk in Jedburgh but has also been involved in setting up and leading the Kelso and the newly formed Harestanes walk.

“George’s positive attitude is contagious and the feedback from walkers speaks for itself. She is making a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in the Borders. We can’t thank her enough.”

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, added:

“Getting outside and going for a walk is so valuable for our own personal health and for the health of our planet, so it’s very important to take the time to thank volunteers like George, whose selfless efforts are making a huge difference to the lives of others around her.”

Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiative.

To find out more about cancer friendly walking in the Scottish Borders, click HERE or email Charlotte Jones at cjones@liveborders.org.uk.

Live Borders is a charity. Every penny you spend with us is reinvested into supporting active, creative and healthy communities in the Scottish Borders.