Myrtle Hanna has covered every blade of grass in the Mournes and beyond.
The 82-year-old is an inspirational example of lifelong participation in sport and embodies our women in sport campaign, Be Seen, Be Heard, Belong.
The campaign aims to break down the barriers currently preventing women and girls from participating in sport and physical activity, supporting women and girls to be seen, heard and belong in sport, regardless of age or ability.
Myrtle is part of Kilbroney Ramblers, an affiliated group of the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs (UFRC), who meet on a Tuesday and Friday to encourage those aged 50+ to enjoy the outdoors and experience the physical, mental and social benefits of physical activity.
The group is led by a team of trained navigators to ensure that walks are safe with varying grades of difficulty to accommodate everyone.
Myrtle explained why walking is the activity for her, she said: “I love the peace, hearing the birds singing and the quietness. You get away with your own thoughts and you see all the different flowers in the trees. It’s something special.
“Then when I go home, I’m a new person. If I get up in the morning, I then can’t sit down at my age. I get up and go out. When I go home (after a walk), I’m a different person. I’m so happy in myself. I do all my work and I’m as happy as anything.”
Myrtle isn’t only kept active on the hills but also at home with her family. She helps look after her grandchildren and great grandchildren and walking is a vital part of being able to maintain a healthy life.
She explained: “I feel good. I feel healthy and I feel fit. I’m able to do the work and keep going.
“I have 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; I keep working away among them and look after them. I would have four boys in the morning for their breakfast before I go out for a walk. It gives me good health and strength.”
We asked Myrtle if she had any advice for the next generation of women on how to get involved in sport. Her advice was to go for it! “The woman was always in the house doing work. When I was younger women were never involved in anything like this. So, I’d advise any woman to get out and go and get involved in everything that’s going on. It’s good for your family and your children too.”
If you would like to follow in Myrtle’s footsteps and give rambling a try, check out the UFRC website to find a walking group near you: https://www.ulsterrambling.com/clubs/
Find out more about our Be Seen, Be Heard, Belong campaign here: https://www.beseenbeheardbelong.co.uk/