A WALK down the beach, which started as one woman and her dog, has become an award winning activity for those living with dementia and cancer.

Julie Twadell was recognised for arranging weekly dementia friendly stomps along the promenade by Scottish inclusive walking charity Paths for All.

Julie started the walks last year after she found walking therapeutic when she was a carer for her late mum.

Julie told the Advertiser: “What kicked it off was that I got a puppy when I was caring for my mum who had dementia and I found going for a regular walk with my dog was superb therapy.

“I posted on Facebook asking who wants to join me and that’s how it started.”

Julie and other volunteers of Dementia Friendly Prestwick then approached Paths for All where they got trained up on how to set up a dementia friendly walk.

The walks are now cancer friendly after volunteers received MacMillan training earlier this year.

Julie said: “Our walks are inclusive and accessible for as many people as possible. It’s about having a think about the small changes that could take away obstacles for people to join in.”

“The walks keep people a part of the community. One woman from Queens care home was in wheelchair being pushed along the promenade and one of her old neighbours recgonised her. He hadn’t seen her in years and joined us for the walk.

It was really lovely for that woman to still be valued and enjoy conversation with somebody, that was a really nice moment.”

The walks take place every Monday from Grangemuir Road end of Prestwick beach along the promenade to the Parkstone Hotel where everyone is given free refreshments.