Sam is a WALX Master who has been delivering pole walking for over 17 years – she runs several sessions a week with a loyal band of Instructors and Leaders and also take WALX members on holidays all over the world.
Here she shares her personal story
Over a decade of caring for my chronically disabled daughter, who underwent pioneering surgery, walking became my lifeline. Each day, I would take a walk whilst I could, knowing that it would clear my head, release vital endorphins, and give me the strength to face whatever lay ahead. In the midst of an isolated world of caring for a sick child, where the demands were stressful and exhausting, walking allowed me to recharge, focus, and find the mental clarity needed to navigate each situation. It became more than just exercise; it was my way of coping, healing, and staying strong for my daughter.
Ultimately, the power of walking and exercise had such a profound effect on my well being that I knew I had to share it with others. If it could help me manage the emotional and physical strain, it could empower others too. This realisation alongside discovering the use of poles led me to build a business dedicated to promoting walking and fitness, knowing that it could not only help people stay fit but also find new friendships and change their own lives.
Little did I know that many years later, in 2024, after my breast cancer diagnosis, I would once again be using walking as a therapy to heal. This time, I wasn’t alone. The very members I had supported, motivated, and kept fit for all these years were now supporting me. Together, we walked through my healing journey.”
My WALX poles have also been a constant companion, joining me on mountain climbs in Scotland, hikes in Ireland and when leading my weekly total body walking sessions in Derbyshire