Blackburn with Darwen Councillor named Living Streets’ national walking hero

Blackburn with Darwen councillor, Mustafa Desai has been awarded the national Charles Maher Award – Walking Champion 2021 by Living Streets.

The award was presented by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, at their virtual National Walking Summit (Thursday 18 March).

The award recognises a local group or individual who has gone the extra mile to improve their local community. The award was set up in honour of Charles Maher, a campaigner and long-standing supporter of Living Streets.

Mustafa Desai was nominated for setting up the Take A Hike programme, which uses walking to tackle physical and mental health challenges, while promoting inclusion for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) women and enabling people to connect with the great outdoors.

Cllr Mustafa Desai, Charles Maher Award 2021 winner, said:

“I’m delighted that the walking group is getting this national recognition with the Charles Maher Award from Living Streets. It’s great that something so positive has come from the awful circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Being part of this group has been fantastic for the wellbeing of all its members and I recommend the activity to all as a simple but effective way to improve physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.”

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:

“Thanks to Mustafa’s enthusiasm and commitment, more people have been able to stay healthy, happy and connected during the pandemic.

“His inspirational work should act a blueprint for how to connect people from all walks of life with the joys of walking. He is a true walking superhero.”