Walking as medicine: Kelly’s journey with pulmonary fibrosis

“Since retiring as a maintenance engineer in 2009, walking became my main hobby with unrivalled physical and mental health benefits. Following my diagnosis, walking now plays an even bigger role in my life, which I never thought was possible!”

Even though walking has been a really important part of Kelly Sagar’s life for many years, since he was hospitalised and diagnosed with the lung condition pulmonary fibrosis in 2022, it has become even more vital to his health and wellbeing.

At the start of his recovery, Kelly was only able to walk the length of his living room, but thanks to walking regularly with a Health Walk in Alloa he can manage the condition himself.

The Wee County Walkers run daily Health Walks around Clackmannanshire. These are local, accessible, short group walks that are free to attend. Kelly started the “Wee County Walkers” to share his love of walking with others, to meet new people and to find new places to explore on foot.

Many Health Walks are organised by dedicated volunteer Walk Leaders like Kelly. Established in 2010, the “Wee County Walkers” groups have quickly become popular in the area. Over 40 people of all ages head along every week.

Published: May 2025