#walk1000miles and her beloved Yorkshire Dales valley have helped amazing 69-year-old Lynn McFarlane overcome osteoporosis, 15 surgical procedures and a year in a wheelchair.
‘I have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, diagnosed at 26, and I’ve been in pain all my life. Fifteen years ago, I started to deteriorate more and more, and six years later I had my first of five replacement surgeries.
My lowest point was three years ago when both my hips rubbed together, bone on bone. I was in a wheelchair for a year and I couldn’t even dress myself from the waist down. I had both hips replaced and started walking again, but then a previous knee replacement became very loose and I had to have that redone.
The secondary knee replacement isn’t great but I still go out on walks because it’s my passion and I love our beautiful dale. Now walk around five–seven miles a day. I’ve lost eight stone since getting out of my wheelchair and am maintaining my weight brilliantly with my wonderful walking and healthy eating.
My first year with the challenge I did just over 1000 miles but last year I smashed it – over 2000. I’m just a bit chuffed! Walking keeps my well-being completely together. I never get stressed or down. It’s the best thing in life for me – there’s nothing better for mind or body.‘
