OS Champion

Yvonne Witter

Meet Yvonne Witter – Self Motivator – enjoy running, walking and cycling and supporting others.

What drives you to spend time outside?

I spend time outside to enjoy the fresh air and open space to reflect and unwind.

Where are your favourite places to go?

One of my favourite places is my local park – High Hazel’s on my doorstep in Sheffield. Also Peak District national park – Castleton and Hathersage. I love to climb the steep hills to Mam Tor and to walk different routes around Hathersage for the spectacular views of the Hope Valley.

What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?

Walking in the countryside and cycling along trails in Sheffield and the Peak District.

Who inspires you and how?

I am inspired by different individuals who have introduced me to long distance walking and cycling. For example Avril Wragg – ex Sheffield City Council Ranger and now The Cyclagettes – Cyclist Trainer. I started walking so I could be in a group to get out more and explore places I did not know. Avril set up the Sheffield group during her role as a Ranger. During one of the group walks cycling came up in a conversation and Avril informed me of free cycling training sessions. I started training when I was made redundant in 2009 and today I can proudly say I have develop my skills and knowledge and attended further training in 2018 to become a Cyclist Trainer.

What are your focuses this year to help people get outside more often?

My focuses are to work with different communities to introduce and encourage more families who do not normally get outside to do so. I would like to start with introducing families in my local area to the local park to do short walks and encourage them to go further afield to get to know places they have never been before. I also would like to focus on leading group cycling in my community, by cycling on trails and country lanes in surrounding areas of Sheffield.

What are your 3 biggest life achievements?

Running a marathon for my 50th birthday. Completing a triathlon. Learning to swim at 40+

3 words you live by

Communication, organisation, determination.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Yes, a nice bottle of cold (Foreign Extra) Guinness, after a sports achievement or personal enjoyment.

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