Barbara’s long-term commitment to Westbank’s Health Walks is a remarkable testament to perseverance & community spirit.

Starting out 22 years ago in September 2004, Barbara stood alone in Sidwell Street, Exeter, waiting for participants to join the inaugural Health Walk. For a number of weeks, she braved the rain without a single attendee, until her determination paid off when the first walker arrived, and by the following week, that walker brought friends.

Westbank's Health Walks have grown significantly since their inception, and in 2024, Health Walks at Westbank celebrated its 21st anniversary.

Today, the programme supports over10,000 attendances a year and boasts nearly 80 volunteer Health Walk Leaders across Devon, with 22 weekly walks, across 17 locations.

These walks, led by trained volunteers like Barbara, provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity, explore the outdoors, and connect with others.

Barbara continues to lead a Grade 3 weekly walk from Exeter City Centre, attracting a loyal group of participants. In July 2025, she achieved a record attendance of 24 walkers in a single session. Her unwavering dedication has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and promoting health and well-being among participants, whilst her story serves as an inspiring example of how individual commitment can lead to lasting positive change in the community.

Barbara says of her volunteering role, “I like leading the walks because it gives me exercise, affords me the company of interesting people, and takes me to parts of Exeter I wouldn’t otherwise visit.  It is good to know I’m helping others while enjoying myself”