Bury St Edmunds woman one of thousands taking part in Covid-19 Keep Suffolk Moving campaign
Thousands of people have been keeping fit during the Covid-19 lockdown thanks, in part, to the campaign Keep Suffolk Moving.
The county council-promoted scheme consists of fitness videos and a publicity drive to share health tips. Since launching on April 1, the Keep Suffolk Moving message has had 350,000 Twitter impressions, 15,000 page views on the website, and a Facebook reach of 100,000.
One of those taking part is Bridget Goldstone, 59, who lives in Brockley, near Bury St Edmunds.
She said: “I am used to socialising in large groups. Because of my kidney transplant, I’m really aware of the benefits of keeping as healthy as possible during this time not only for physical health but my mental wellbeing too.
“I know through personal experience many people are struggling with anxiety and stress even more than usual at the moment. My dear mum who is in a nursing home is never out of my mind. I know by exercising regularly it will keep me mentally stronger.”
Read more: West Suffolk Hospital confirms death of coronavirus patient
Bridget usually challenges herself to walk 10,000 steps a day, but staying in the confines of her garden, she has been satisfied with 15,000 a week. Another activity she has enjoyed is skipping, using rhymes she learned in school.
“My new mantra is be kind to myself,” she added. “Every single bit of exercise counts, so join me and congratulate yourself.”
Cllr James Reeder, cabinet member for public health and prevention at Suffolk County Council, said: “The campaign has been enthusiastically welcomed by individuals and organisations across the county who have recognised the importance of being active during the coronavirus outbreak. Once lock-down was in place we moved very quickly to launch the campaign, knowing how important exercise would be in the circumstances we found ourselves in.
“As this remains the case, for anybody looking for ideas to become or remain active, the Keep Moving Suffolk website is an invaluable source of. I myself have been hula hooping to keep fit. I’m now up to 50 in one go!” For more information: keepmovingsuffolk.com
Read more: Ashlea in the running for Miss Caribbean UK pageant title
