Twin sisters' walking group continues to grow at pace after hugely successful first year

When Ela Dziadula and Aga Opie set up their walking group more than a year ago, they could never have imagined the success story it would become.

Thirteen months on and the North East Walking Group now boasts more than 11,000 members from across the North East. Members have helped raise thousands of pounds to charity with the group now looking to continue their fundraising efforts into 2024.

The group has also branched out with two new sections. The North East Social Group organises social events such as cinema and quiz nights and the North East Outdoors Group enjoys activities like paddle-boarding, outdoor yoga and beach barbecues.

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The success and growth of the group meant twin sisters Ela, from Norton, and Aga, who lives in Thornaby had to seek help as the 35-year-olds still work full-time. "It's grown so much since we started," said Ela.

"We've got over 11,000 members now so it's crazy. Members are from across North East.

"Most are from Teesside although we do have people from Durham and Newcastle as well. We still have events every day, mainly on an evening during the week and on the weekend.

"There are always a few to choose from. We are still working so we now have ten Facebook moderators and four group experts who are really, really helping us."

In August, they held a 24-mile charity walk from Sunderland to Hartlepool, raising over £1,000 for Mental Health Matters. Then in October, to mark their first anniversary, they held a party in Durham and raised more than £1,400 for Cleveland Mountain Rescue and Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue teams.

"We have so much planned for next year as well," said Ela. "We are going to donate each month to a different charity starting with Maxi's Mates with one volunteering day and a 100-mile a month challenge.

"We will be looking at local charities and smaller ones which really need some help." They are also planning more weekends away for members and have launched a challenge called the “Yorkies” and the "Pennies", set in the North York Moors and the North Pennines.

Ela said as well as raising money for charity and improving members' fitness, the activities have also helped boost the mental health of those joining in. "We get people thanking us all the time for creating this group because it has changed so many lives," she said.

"Before they joined some wouldn't have had the confidence to go out and do the things. It's really nice to see people change as well - seeing their fitness and confidence grow so much."

Ela and Aga thanked moderators Rob, Paul, Emma, Charlene, Catherine, Joe, Bev and Ade as well as group experts Claire, Donna, Lynn and Terri and all the other event organisers for their help over the past year. For more information on the groups visit the Facebook pages here: North East Walking Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1E8Ayab9ig/?mibextid=K35XfP; North East Outdoors Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14ZyDGoXGA/?mibextid=K35XfP; and North East Social Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AU8tWmKbN/?mibextid=K35XfP

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