Mateship sets walker on new path

Bill Lindsay is proof age is no barrier to making new mates and getting active, but it took a Saturday morning with The Man Walk Redcliffe group to convince him initially.

The 84-year-old says he was battling illness and feeling pretty low before deciding to take the first step to turn things around.

“Life throws curveballs … three years ago I developed infections in my legs, which slowed me down. I couldn’t swim anymore. I lost my brother suddenly and wasn’t engaging I anything anymore until my youngest daughter encouraged me to join The Man Walk,” he explains.

“She left a note in my pocket with the details and left me with a decision to make. I took the bull by the horns and went to my first walk on a Saturday morning.

“I still remember the date – November 12, 2022. I wasn’t sure what to expect, just to meet at the Redcliffe Jetty at 6am.

“I could have chosen to go on their other days, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I chose Saturday and I am so glad I did.”

Bill turned up for the mid-week walks the following week and has only missed three since then.

He walked the full distance the first time and found it too much. Now, he walks about halfway or the distance he can manage on any given day. A small group of older members join him.

“The mates are terrific. You can choose to walk whenever you want. There are only men, we can discuss (things) between ourselves,” he says.

“We also stop for coffee on Saturday mornings after our walk which is also great.”

Bill says he’s grateful to his daughter who insisted he ‘should get going’.

“It only takes one step to start,” he says.

“It’s about the camaraderie with the boys, talking, saying what we want to say with no ifs and buts. It’s just blokes doing bloke things. It’s made me feel better.

“It calms you down. You’re thinking about other things, you’re not thinking about problems.

“I would recommend it to all men, any age.”

Bill says word is spreading and the number of men walking during the week and on Saturdays is increasing.

The Man Walk Redcliffe group walks every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6.30am, meeting at the Redcliffe Jetty. Walks run for 45-60 minutes, and the distance is determined by the participant.

Men who wish to join The Man Walk can do so by simply turning up.

You can also request to join the private Facebook group.