Member Article

Ilkley “Netwalking” brings businesses together in the community

Thirty walkers from Ilkley’s businesses and local community came together for charity “netwalking” event, ‘Get Ilkley Walking’ last week.

Ilkley-based Approach PR organised the hour-long lunchtime event in aid of its continued support of Yorkshire-based, national charity Heart Research UK and raised over £100 for the cause.

‘Get Ilkley Walking’ provided attendees with the chance to walk and talk during a stroll around Ilkley’s Darwin Gardens on Wednesday 16 September. The event was boosted by healthy heart checks from Heart Research UK, a warm-up activity and lifestyle checks from the Ilkley Lifestyle Centre, and energy-boosting refreshments from the recently opened Filmore and Union.

Businesses including LCF Law, Pinnacle Graphic Design, Wintersgill Associates and design agency Rocknine joined the Approach PR team for the one mile walk and all commented on how much they enjoyed the event.

Helen Rhodes, owner of the shoe retailer Poppy Red, said: “I find there is never enough hours in the day and always eat lunch at my desk while working. ‘Get Ilkley Walking’ provided the opportunity to meet new people, have fun and exercise. The event took less than one hour during which I was able to walk, enjoy a lovely sandwich from Filmore and Union and have a blood pressure check; something which is often neglected with hectic working lifestyles.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and left feeling invigorated ready for serious work in the afternoon. The event was more informal and light hearted than traditional networking events, providing an easy way to meet others from local businesses.”

Managing director of Approach PR, Suzanne Watson added: “We are so pleased to have had great attendance on the day and that everyone had such a good time! With a little bit of effort and planning, over 30 of us had an active, fun lunch hour and funds were raised for a very worthy charity. Given the response, we’ll definitely be organising another netwalking event – there’s so much to see in Ilkley and so many people to network with. Who knows, next time we might even venture up onto the moors!”

Jodie Thomson, corporate development at Heart Research UK, said: “We’re trying to encourage more people to take time out at lunchtime and exercise their hearts by stretching their legs and combatting sedentary lifestyles at work which are detrimental to the heart and organised corporate walks such as Get Ilkley Walking have been a great way to do this.”

For more information on supporting Heart Research UK visit www.heartresearch.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Approach PR .