March is the month for International Women’s Day – so to celebrate this we are hosting a month long awareness campaign to promote women’s strength, health and wellbeing. Women sharing their stories about how thrive, Move and Moving Together have helped them and encouraged them to live an active happy life. Our ‘She thrives’ campaign celebrates active women and inspires other women to get moving no matter how they do it!
There’s no right or wrong way to get active – whether you’re active with friends, family, work colleagues or use it as some time for you – as long as your heart rate raises, it all counts.
She thrives will showcase some of County Durham’s inspiring active women, and also share with you how you can get more active at home, in your community, or at your local leisure centre.
If you think your story will inspire other women to get active, please get in touch, we’d love to share your story.
Hear it from real women..
Heather Raistrick – Volunteer Walk and Run Leader (Langley Park & Esh Winning)
Two things I am really passionate about are outdoor activities and running. I am a keen mountain walker, a member of Elvet Striders running club and love training with Durham Mums on the Run. So, when I retired from teaching in January 2019, one of my main aims was to volunteer in my local community to encourage others to get involved in both.
I reached out to Durham County Council and was thrilled to be recruited immediately to be a volunteer walk leader at Langley Park and a run leader for the Esh Winning Couch to 5K group (C25K). Over the next year I earned my running coaching qualification as well as the council’s walk leader qualification. I continued assisting and later leading C25K groups and absolutely loved helping people from my local area develop their running skills, build confidence and form new friendships.
Currently, I lead the Ushaw College walking group as part of a fantastic team—where my Border Terrier, Rosie, is a much-loved member! My passion for local history often finds its way into our walks, as I enjoy sharing insights about the Deerness Valley’s industrial heritage. Occasionally, I even include some navigation lessons as part of the experience!
Volunteering is a meaningful part of my life, and I hope I have made a positive impact on the health and well-being of my local community.
Karen Lamb – Community Wellbeing Assistant
I’ve always been into sport/fitness found my love for it when I was 5 and I started dancing. Then in comprehensive school I tried out for the athletics team and manage to get a place. I work out to feel good I find it great for my mental health and my overall health seeing the benefits also makes me feel great and more confident. My passion for fitness is great in my current role it helps motivate people and it’s great seeing the benefit it has on customers everyone always leaves my classes happy and that’s what it’s all about.
I got made redundant from my previous job in 2018 I managed to get kept on part time, but at this point I decided I needed a career change. I started my Level 2 Gym course whilst working my part-time job. I signed up to Volunteer Durham and started working in the gym at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre for a few hours a week to gain experience. I was successful in gaining a casual contract as a Leisure Assistant in the leisure centre after finishing my course. After six months this led to a permanent contract. In 2024 there was an opportunity to work in the Wellbeing team and I decided to take the plunge and apply for the job, and I now work with targeted communities to help them improve their wellbeing. Making the career change has been the best decision I could of made helping people get fitter and stronger is amazing to see and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
Twin Sisters (Katy and Emma) Turn Commitment and Dedication into Careers at Durham County Council
Two determined young sisters, Katy and Emma Bulmer, have turned their volunteer experience at Spennymoor Leisure Centre into employment with Durham County Council.
At just 16, the twins started as volunteers, gaining hands-on experience in the leisure industry. Their dedication led them to achieve their National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and develop valuable skills by shadowing and learning from staff.
Their time volunteering not only boosted their confidence but also prepared them for their Leisure Assistant interviews—where they were both successful. Now employed, Katy and Emma are excited to continue working in an environment they love, promoting health and fitness within their community.
“Being physically active keeps me fit and happy,” said Katy, who enjoys running and going to the gym. Emma echoed her sister’s enthusiasm, adding, “It helps me stay focused and makes my day better.”
Their journey from volunteers to employees is a testament to their hard work and passion—an inspiring success story for other young people looking to turn experience into opportunity.
Naomi Rushman (Volunteer Swim Teacher)
Naomi Rushman, 41, from Seaham, is making a positive impact both in and out of the pool. As a dedicated volunteer swim teaching assistant at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, she helps children, including those with additional needs to build confidence in the water.
Naomi, who has been volunteering for nearly two years, recently achieved a major milestone by earning her Level 1 Swim Teaching Assistant qualification in May 2024, with support from Volunteer Durham. Encouraged by her colleagues, she is now preparing to take her Level 2 qualification, furthering her ability to teach young swimmers.
Beyond her volunteer work, Naomi is an accomplished athlete with the Special Olympics. She has been competing for nearly nine years and currently trains with Sunderland Special Olympics, traveling across the country to compete. Her dedication paid off most recently when she medalled at a competition in Beverley on the 1st March.
Naomi’s passion for swimming and helping others continues to shine, as she also serves as the athletes’ representative on her club’s managing board.
Her journey is an inspiring example of dedication, perseverance, and the power of sport to change lives.
Sandra’s Story
I became active due to the fact that I was suffering with pain in my hip and was walking with a stick, I was waiting for a MRI scan to see what the problem was. A week before the scan I fell off a ladder at height.
The result of the scan showed that I needed a hip replacement, before I went on the list I attended a how to manage pain program. It was there that I heard about the Move gentle steps group at Shildon, that’s where my journey began to keep my joints moving especially my hip. Prior to having trouble with my hip I attended line dance classes and social evenings.
Since starting my journey to keep moving through the Move program and the support and encouragement I received from my Co-ordinator Vic and the group I have now taken up indoor bowls.
I love the walking group I attend on a Tuesday. After my hip operation I was out of action for 6 weeks, but Vic the group leader was still checking in with me. When I did come back to the group it was as if I had never been away.
It was amazing, although I was walking with my stick, and some weeks struggling, there was always lots of encouragement from the group that I could do it.
Mentally it is good for the soul, being out and about getting some fresh air, meeting new people making new friends. I feel great if I have done between 4-6 laps round the walking track as 4 is a mile. If I need to sit down and rest I can, then walk some more. Then we all have tea, coffee, and biscuits, afterwards.
I would say come along, these groups are really welcoming, very friendly, supportive, and always encourage you to do the best you can. Make the change don’t be alone.
Yvonne – participant from Horden Hub House
I enjoy the group walks as it allows me to visit places where I wouldn’t walk to on my own, for example, The Dene. The company on the walks is important to me as I live on my own and it is great to see and talk with other people. I have made some lovely friends since joining the walking group. I would definitely recommend joining a walking group as it has given me the confidence to go out and try other things.
Moving Together, Move Hub and Move Programme
Moving Together in County Durham has been created to support everyone in being more active, as we know that staying active helps people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
The Move Hub is perfect for those looking to start their fitness journey in a gentle way. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking to get in shape, improving mobility, toning up, or building strength, the Move Hub provides the ideal space. You can access the Move Hub with a free seven day pass after completing a ‘Welcome to thrive’ and fundamentals appointment.
Move Programme is there If you’d like to move more, enjoy the outdoors, improve your mental health and wellbeing, or make new friends, the Move programme is a great option. It offers a variety of activities designed to help you stay active and engaged.
Find out more about the Move programme and check out activity schedules on our Move activities timetables. Some activities require booking, which can be done online or via our thrive leisure app.