Moray fitness coach leads over 1000 women on virtual menopause walk for Children in Need
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A MORAY fitness instructor's weekend virtual walk to help menopausal women has raised nearly £700 for BBC Children in Need.
Kate Sansum, from Elgin, who runs the online fitness and wellbeing website Kate’s Club, shared tips on how to cope with menopause symptoms during her 50-Minute Virtual Walk on World Menopause Day, Sunday, October 18.
Participants were invited to pull on their trainers and tune in to Kate as they walked virtually alongside her live on Facebook.
More than 1000 women from across the UK took part in the walk.
Kate believes there is a lack of information and advice available for menopausal women, many of whom she said have been hit hard by the pandemic when it was not so easy to discuss their symptoms at GP appointments.
She said: "I'm thrilled with the way Sunday went. It was superb to get so many women involved, all walking simultaneously to raise awareness of menopause and cash for a good cause.
"I spoke about symptoms like weight gain and anxiety, and offered tips on reducing calories and engaging various muscle groups. The event had a lovely feel to it.
"Ladies in the menopausal age group have, I think, been hit particularly hard mental health-wise in the pandemic. I've seen a lot of anxiety and depression. They're often the ones who buy the birthday presents, organise Christmas and book the holidays – all the little highlights of life that are harder to celebrate just now."
The businesswoman, who has been a fitness coach for 30 years, added: "Social media is used for a lot of negativity and comparing. And it was good to use it for charity, wellbeing and spreading some happiness."
Women can still take part in the walk through the Facebook video at https://www.facebook.com/katesansumantiaging/ . The Just Giving page is still open at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kate-sansum3 .
Kate will also be running a 10-day Managing Menopause online course from November 1. For information email Kate@katesansum.com.
The BBC Children in Need appeal show will be held on November 13.
