Walk the walk

Summerset residents from four different Christchurch villages demonstrated that age ain’t nothing but a number by taking part in the City2Surf fun run in March. Beginning in Latimer Square and finishing in New Brighton, the City2Surf route follows the Avon River and goes along the Ōtākaro trail.

Funds raised from the 2024 entry fees will go to Cholmondeley – a children’s charity that offers respite care for young children aged 5–12 as well as outdoor activities and learning experiences designed to foster wellbeing and resilience. Summerset was happy to sponsor the 35 residents and four staff members from across the villages, providing Summerset-branded T-shirts and covering the $40 per participant entry fee.

Summerset resident Lloyd Geange led the charge for participants from his Summerset on Cavendish village, recruiting nine fellow residents to join him on the walk. “I know the residents in the village who are keen on walking and I thought would be happy to sign up. I reached out to Summerset to ask for sponsorship, which they were only too happy to do.

"Our Activities Coordinator Anne contacted the other local Summerset villages to see if anyone else was interested in joining us, and it snowballed from there. Anne got everyone organised with the T-shirts and registrations.” No stranger to walking, 85-year-old Lloyd has been a member of a local walking club since 2008. “Before the earthquakes we had about 80 members. Post-earthquake that number dropped as the state of the roads meant it was difficult to get to places to meet up. Now there are about 30 of us, but there are usually 10 of us that make each walk. Which was the same as when we had 80 members!” he laughs.

Lloyd’s group meet up on Saturdays and Sundays and undertake a variety of walks. The group meets rain or shine, although very heavy rain sometimes stops play. And no matter where they go, a coffee shop is usually factored in. “It is very sociable. I am one of the eldest and am probably the longest-serving member,” says Lloyd. “There are lots of walking tracks around here. We have been to some stunning spots around the Port Hills, following the rivers around. We used to go to the Ryde Falls and the Washpen Falls, which were quite steep walks, a bit too tricky for me now. I’m pushing 86,” Lloyd laughs, “and my muscles have got a little bit tighter!”

Lloyd finds the gym boring and credits his walks and use of his stepper at home to keep him fit. “My attitude is ‘use it or lose it,’ and so many of us seniors are active, adventurous and up for a challenge!”

Lloyd was delighted with the turnout of his fellow Summerset residents, who came from Summerset at Wigram, Summerset at Avonhead, Summerset Prebbleton as well as Summerset on Cavendish. Outfitted in their Summerset T-shirts, the Christchurch residents gathered at the start of the 6km route and set off together.

“People went according to their pace, and I was probably the slowest one!” says Lloyd. “I walked with Anna Childs, our old AC who joined us. There were lots of families out, cheering us on. We took the Summerset bus to the start of the course and it took us back to our villages afterwards. Summerset shouted us food and drink in the café afterwards to celebrate. It was a great day!”

This is an article from the Winter 2024 edition of Summerset Scene magazine

Click here to read the full issue