Having already received the Heart Foundation’s Golden Shoe Award for starting a walking group, Altona Meadows’ Ian Watson has now received a second; one for each foot.
The 80 year-old was recently bestowed the Above and Beyond Golden Shoe Award for his role in organising for the Mighty West Walkers Heart Foundation walking group which meets three times a week at various locations around Hobsons Bay.
“I am deeply overwhelmed and honoured to accept the prestige Golden Shoe Award from the Heart Foundation -this recognition means so much not just for me but to all our walking groups members,” Mr Watson said upon receiving the award.
“We strongly believe in the power of movement prevention and heart health.
“The Golden Shoe Award is more than an award – it symbolizes every step taken towards a healthier community through the walking program.”
For Mr Watson, these are not mere platitudes, but something he lives every day.
After once tipping the scales at 140kg, Mr Watson was encouraged by a doctor to take up walking, not just to lose weight, but save his life.
Thinking walking with others might be easier than doing it alone, he went looking for a local group to join and when he couldn’t find one, started his own instead.
In 2019 the Mighty West Walkers Heart Foundation walkers group was born.
Four years on, the number of awards and the number of steps have grown, while more importantly, Mr Watson’s weight has dropped.
