Being furloughed in the middle of her challenge gave Helen Shuttleworth the chance to fulfil a dream… and indulge in 1000 mile walkies!
‘After 15 years I quit my job as marketing manager for a hotel, and went to work at an adventure activity centre in Frodsham, Cheshire. I thought it would be the biggest change in my career – until… Covid happened, and I was furloughed!
‘A friend of mine had set up a pet care business some years before, and every time I bumped into him, he’d say, “Go for it Helen – it’ll be the best thing you do”. So I was out walking in with my lab Poppy and little Border terrier, Ruby, and thought, ‘Right –
I’m doing this!’.
‘I had just one customer for about four months! I thought, ‘Nice try, but I might have to look for a real job’. But, word of mouth, people going back to work, a lockdown boom in puppy sales, and eventually I had a viable business. I love dogs, and I love walking, so what could be better? Even on the days I get changed three times, soaked wet through, I’d prefer it to sitting in an office. I get to see all the subtle changes in the seasons, and the dogs constantly make me laugh – they’re real characters. I’ve always been passionate about my job, but this really is the best! And my miles tick over beautifully!
‘#walk1000miles is so inspiring. I love seeing everyone’s victories, big or small. It’s not a race, and whether people reach the goals they expect to or not, good things happen when you get out walking!’
