Ryman's Hillary Hikers have embraced a bowel cancer awareness challenge in the best possible way, by getting active and moving together.

Wearing distinctive bright purple and orange T-shirts, around 20 residents from the village walking group drew plenty of smiles and encouragement as they enjoyed a sunny morning walk along the waterfront.

Group organiser Howard says everyone was happy to wear the T-shirts and help raise awareness. The group were keen to show their support for bowel cancer awareness and highlight the importance of regular physical activity, early detection and looking after your overall health and wellbeing.

“We thought we would walk along the waterfront to give them a bit more exposure, and we got quite a few positive responses from other walkers.”

For group members Graeme and Barbara, supporting the cause was important for personal reasons.

“Our son has been living with Crohn’s disease since he was a teenager, and so we know how critical good gut health is,” says Barbara.

“This cause means a lot to us,” adds Graeme.

Group organiser Howard (front, right) chats with fellow resident June as he sets the pace, with more purple-clad walkers following behind.

Bowel cancer is a serious health concern, but early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Regular physical activity also supports gut health and overall wellbeing, with moderate exercise like walking regularly offering meaningful benefits.

The walk was an opportunity to bring people together through something simple and positive while encouraging greater awareness of bowel cancer and the importance of early detection.

The Hillary Hikers meet at the village before heading off on their walk.

The walking group began after Howard had spent a couple of years living at Edmund Hillary Village. Fellow resident Richard suggested he set up a group like the one he had organised at Probus, and it all started from there, with around 7-8 members.

Ten years on, their group mailing list has more than 50 names, and a special 10 year anniversary lunch was held at a local golf club to celebrate.

Howard says the walking routes alternate each week between local spots and places a little further afield, as long as there is a café nearby for a coffee and a scone afterwards.

“Our group is a very happy group,” says Howard. “The feedback I get is that they really enjoy the contact and the camaraderie, and the café is the highlight of the day.

“I can see that it performs a useful role for people.”

He adds with a laugh: “I feel the scone I eat normally always undoes the work of the walk, however!”

Want to get moving a bit more?

If you feel inspired by the Hillary Hikers, general physical activity guidance recommends:

• 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Plus two or more days of muscle-strengthening activity per week

If you enjoy exercising with others (and perhaps a cheeky scone afterwards) there are many ways to support an active lifestyle in Ryman villages.

From walking groups such as the Hillary Hikers, to a range of optional activities and exercise classes, to amenities such as swimming pools and bowling greens, there is something to suit everyone. To explore in more depth what life at a Ryman village could look like for you, click below.