Win £25 by inspiring others to switch to greener and healthier travel habits
The Surrey's Greener Future challenge allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Surrey to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Greener Future Star. Paul was chosen as our latest winner and received 25,000 BetterPoints (£25) for sharing his story. For your chance to win, download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page!
Cancer survivor Paul signed up to the Surrey’s Greener Future challenge to help achieve his New Year’s resolution to do more outdoor exercise. Here is what he had to say about his experience with BetterPoints:
How did you find out about BetterPoints and why did you choose to get involved?
“I was looking at the wellbeing pages on the Surrey County Council website, which led me to the app.
I’ve always been an active person. I go to the gym, and I was a marathon runner before I got cancer. For the new year, I was looking for ways to motivate myself to do more physical activity outdoors and the app offered this.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“I signed up in January when it was cold and gloomy, but it encouraged me to get out and walk regardless as I could see the health benefits of doing so.
I am a target-driven person, so I’ve found the 150 minutes of physical activity goal the ideal motivation to get more walking miles under my belt.
I’m checking in on the app after every walk to look at the physical activity progress dial, to see how much I have left to do to reach 150 minutes. If I feel I’m going to be short of the target, I’ll add in an extra walk at the end of the week. It’s a really nice sense of achievement when you get the timeline message through saying you’ve done it.
The points are a motivator too. There is a Costa Coffee in Epsom that I go to so I’m building up my points to redeem a voucher there or make a charity donation. Being able to use my points for something tangible I find really encouraging.
How have your habits changed since using the app?
“The frequency that I am getting out for walks is the main thing. Whereas before I was doing 1 or 2 walks a week, I’m now doing 4 or 5 a week. The app has definitely been the catalyst for this.
I’m trying to minimise my car journeys too. I live about a mile outside of Epsom town centre. If I’ve got a bit of shopping to do, or I’m meeting a friend for a coffee, I’ll walk the 20-25 minute journey into town instead.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“At The Royal Marsden, where I have my rehab support, they stress the importance of physical activity to manage my mood and help with memory. I’ve noticed a big improvement with this.
Walking in the fresh air clears my mind of worries. I’m able to think through my problems. If I’m having a bad day, a walk can recover the day and make it a good one.
When I go in for check-ups for my leukaemia and I talk about the levels of physical activity I’m doing, they are very encouraged. The conversation is upbeat as I’m able to show what I’ve achieved on the app. I can prove I’m not sitting around at home! I hope my story will motivate people in a similar position to my own to try getting active themselves.”
Not yet earning rewards for walking, wheeling, running, cycling and taking public transport? To join Surrey's Greener Future simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR below and register an account with your Surrey postcode. If you live outside but commute in please enter the referral code: surreygf.
