Seventeen people from Nordic Walking classes at Newstead Abbey Park and Rufford Abbey Country Park are raising funds for an Ashfield group that helps people with dementia.

The walkers will take part in the British Nordic Walking CIC’s Race Challenge at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, covering up to 20km, on Sunday, 17th May.

The fundraising for Open Door 1 was organised by Pip Bateman, who started the Holistic Health Team 13 years ago and runs the Nordic Walking classes.

She launched the weekly sessions after using the activity to recover her balance and confidence following a head injury in 2011.

Pip chose to support Open Door 1 because of its help for her father.

She said: “This group receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on donations. Since my dad has been attending, his mood has lifted. He concentrates better and enjoys the stimulating activities.”

Open Door 1 is an independent community organisation that offers self-help groups to people with dementia and their carers.
It aims to reduce stress and social isolation by raising awareness of dementia in the community through social events and activities.

Sessions — on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm — cost £30, including activities and food, and are held at Harwood Court Community Centre, Sutton. Monthly social groups are also held in the evenings.

To contact Open Door 1, which is based at 40 Fox Street, Kirkby, call 01623 405199, 07722 520765 or 07864 016750 or email [email protected] or go to www.opendoor1.co.uk

The fundraisers have collected more than £200. To donate to their efforts, go to https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/opendoor1

Nordic Walking classes are held at Newstead on Saturdays, from 11am-noon, and at Rufford on Thursdays, from 2pm-3pm. Classes cost £30 for six sessions (£25 with own poles). Call Pip on 01623 406272 or 07833 587091 or email info@holistichealth team.com or go to www.holistichealthteam.com for details.