Charlotte Ditchburn

Charlotte Ditchburn is a This Girl Can Ambassador in Suffolk, volunteering her time and sharing her passion for physical activity and the local rights of way paths available across the county.

During lockdown Charlotte has been using her social media accounts and weekly blogs to keep everyone's spirits up whilst we have all been stuck at home. Within her posts, Charlotte has been sharing information about what we have on our own doorsteps and has worked to inspire local people to utilise the local rights of way networks to keep active, by walking, biking and horse-riding.

"Charlotte has motivated me to get out and exercise with the natural gym we have on our doorsteps...she showed us how micro adventures within a 5-mile radius of home can be fun and beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing...She has been positive and passionate about inspiring others to get out exercising throughout lockdown keeping us entertained with her own stories and pictures."

Getting out in the outdoors and being active is known to have benefits to our physical and mental health and this is exactly what one of her online followers has experienced. They told us:

"Her efforts have hugely impacted my life from feeling isolated and trapped within my own four walls she inspired me and gave me the confidence to get active in my own way. I've managed my first ever wild swim. I thought lockdown would ruin all my hard work to rebuild my mental state but with a bit of inspiration from Charlotte I've discovered new places to get some head space and to do what I feel is achievable without comparing my progress to others."

Charlottes inspirational messages and blogs not only inspired the readers but those around them too, one person told us:

"Not only has this benefited me but my whole family have been dragged out for walks to discover our local area. These walks boosted our moral and gave us a purpose to our evenings which was great as relationships were tested being stuck in the house."

The comments in Charlotte's nominations really do speak for themselves and it is very clear to see why she has been nominated as a Lockdown Activity Hero - well done!