It looked for several years like Mr. Henry Parchment in the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Lands, Housing and Infrastructure (PLAHI) could not walk without pain. Now he is a big inspiration to others for what he has been able to accomplish.

A hitherto active man, who was deeply involved in keeping his diabetes in check through exercise, found he could do little activity with his knees playing up so badly and the pounds started piling up.

With his knees now a bit better after a change of medicine, this just-turned-60 officer grasped the Pedometer Challenge as an opportunity to restart his exercise routine, especially since he would be helping his very dedicated PLAHI Striders team add to their daily tally of steps.

He has vowed the Challenge will not be a one-off activity schedule. “I am really determined to continue walking long after this challenge ends,” Mr. Parchment said.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” he said. In fact, he has amazed most of all himself how far he could go. His highest total so far has been over 25,000 steps, a feat that appeared impossible for someone struggling to get to even 5,000 steps a day! But he is not after any prize other than his own benefit and a return to better fitness. He is determined to lose weight which can add up because of even the medication he has to take now four times a day.

Today, he got up around 4 am to get in some steps, he related. He has valuable support from his wife who now also walks with him invariably. They are also following ways to strengthen legs.

“The impetus for me to restart was the Challenge which has so many doing this,” he reiterated. “So I am grateful to the organisers of the challenge.” He added, “I trust this will be an inspiration to others who are hesitating to get into a fitness routine. 

“It was tough for a while when taking even one step was a pain. Now walking 10,000 steps is easy! I didn’t believe I could do it! I am still surprised when I look at my numbers (of steps). So keep moving! You too can do it!”

SOURCE: Radio Cayman