ON National Fitness day on September 26, people across South Gloucestershire took part in a 22-mile active walk.

The aim of the event was to promote healthy lifestyles and to raise money for charity, whilst walking between the five different Active Lifestyle Centres in the region.

Centre staff members Dave Smele and Jim Rollo lead participants on a route between each of the centres in Bradley Stoke, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Thornbury and Yate.

All funds raised by the charity walk were donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Rollo, Healthy Lifestyle Manager at the Active Centres and Assistant Manager at Bath City Football Club, revealed that it was great to see the support for the event.

“We’re always looking for ways to inspire healthy lifestyles and encourage members of the public to become more active,” he said.

“That is why it made sense for us to get the community together, promote activity and also raise money for a good cause on National Fitness Day.

“I’d like to thank everyone that took part in the BIG Active Walk or has donated towards our fundraiser.

“It was great to see people taking to the challenge and joining us along the way we’re looking forward to organising something for next year.”

When the walk was taking place, the 12 participants were greeted by staff at each centre.

There was also a range of other activities taking place across the five centres as part of the fitness day.

The different things on offer included MOT health check, fitness testing and a selection of classes.

Mark Crutchley, is the chief executive of Circadian Trust. The trust looks after all the Active Lifestyle Centres in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council.

Mr Crutchley admitted that the event was a great way to promote the message of the trust.

“Launching the BIG Active Walk on National Fitness Day provided us with a great opportunity to promote health and wellbeing for both members and non-members.

“ I was delighted to walk alongside Dave, Jim and the rest of our BIG Active Walk participants as they raised money and made strides for charity and I’d like to thank them for making this year’s National Fitness Day a resounding success across the region.