
Nordic Walking Saved My Life with Simon Clark
06/15/22 • 29 min
Warning - This episode contains graphic descriptions of injuries sustained in a serious car crash.
Of all the interviews I have conducted with incredible guests for Walking On Air, this is by far the most inspirational and emotional. It was such a privilege to speak to Simon Clark, who recently qualified as a British Nordic Walking Instructor. In 2019, Simon was involved in a horrific car accident and sustained multiple injuries to his body and his brain. Thanks to the Great Western Air Ambulance Team, who performed extensive and complex life saving surgery at the scene , Simon is here to talk to us today. He was fortunate to meet two former guests on Walking On Air: Melissa Domaille was one of the physios in his rehab team, and she introduced him to Nordic Walking, before referring him on to Steve Ellis, who has helped Simon get back into the mountains. Simon describes Nordic Walking as ‘a gamechanger’ in his recovery progress and he has kindly agreed to speak about his experiences today, in the hope that it will inspire others, firstly, to push themselves to defy the odds and secondly, to consider donating to the Great Western Air Ambulance Team. To Donate, please visit the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.
To listen to episodes referenced in this interview:
- Osteoporosis and Nordic Walking with Melissa Domaille
- Altitude, Adventure & Nordic Walking Expeditions with Steve Ellis
- Behind the Scenes of Walking On Air with Mary Tweed & Steve Ellis
Find An Instructor Near You
https://britishnordicwalking.org.uk/apps/store-locator
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by
Final thank you to sponsors
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x
I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.
Sponsors
I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:
British Nordic Walking
Discount code: walking23
Nordicwalk.store
Paula: 01446 789 154
Walking Women Holidays
Discount code: WOA23
Ginny: 01784 664 063
[email protected]
Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Walking On Air
Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast
...
Warning - This episode contains graphic descriptions of injuries sustained in a serious car crash.
Of all the interviews I have conducted with incredible guests for Walking On Air, this is by far the most inspirational and emotional. It was such a privilege to speak to Simon Clark, who recently qualified as a British Nordic Walking Instructor. In 2019, Simon was involved in a horrific car accident and sustained multiple injuries to his body and his brain. Thanks to the Great Western Air Ambulance Team, who performed extensive and complex life saving surgery at the scene , Simon is here to talk to us today. He was fortunate to meet two former guests on Walking On Air: Melissa Domaille was one of the physios in his rehab team, and she introduced him to Nordic Walking, before referring him on to Steve Ellis, who has helped Simon get back into the mountains. Simon describes Nordic Walking as ‘a gamechanger’ in his recovery progress and he has kindly agreed to speak about his experiences today, in the hope that it will inspire others, firstly, to push themselves to defy the odds and secondly, to consider donating to the Great Western Air Ambulance Team. To Donate, please visit the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.
To listen to episodes referenced in this interview:
- Osteoporosis and Nordic Walking with Melissa Domaille
- Altitude, Adventure & Nordic Walking Expeditions with Steve Ellis
- Behind the Scenes of Walking On Air with Mary Tweed & Steve Ellis
Find An Instructor Near You
https://britishnordicwalking.org.uk/apps/store-locator
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by
Final thank you to sponsors
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x
I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.
Sponsors
I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:
British Nordic Walking
Discount code: walking23
Nordicwalk.store
Paula: 01446 789 154
Walking Women Holidays
Discount code: WOA23
Ginny: 01784 664 063
[email protected]
Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Walking On Air
Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast
...
Previous Episode

Breast Cancer & Nordic Walking with Lindsay Atkin
In this episode , I’m talking to Lindsay Atkin, a primary school teacher and NW instructor with Bristol & Bath Nordic Walking. She qualified as a British NW instructor in January 2020 nd enjoys leading walks outdoors around Bath. At the end of 2021, Lindsay was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and today, she talks to me about the role that NW has played in her life as she goes through treatment.
In a previous episode, I spoke to Cristina González Castro, National Trainer for Spain and an expert in the way in which exercise can help people with cancer.Find An Instructor Near You
https://britishnordicwalking.org.uk/apps/store-locator
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Not only is Nordic Walking a whole body workout, but it is also one of the safest and most sociable way to exercise. Classes always finish up in a cafe enjoying a coffee together. Many thanks, Mary x
I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia. If you wish to share your story, do get in touch by emailing [email protected]
#NordicWalking #WeAreNordicWalking #BritNW #BritishNordicWalking #INWA #NordicWalkingEastAnglia #onwf #nordicwalkinguk #walx #nordicwalkingaustralia #nordixx #urbanpoling #ANWA #anwaUSA #nordicwalkingnewzealand #nordicpolewalking #nordicpolewalkingnovascotia #nordicacademy #polewalking #lekipoles #exelpoles #fitnesswalking #skiwalking #polewalking #greengym #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #weightloss #posture #useitorloseit #activeageing #nutritiousmovement #exerciseanywhere #BetterHealth #GreatOutdoors #fitnessforallages #walkwithease #weightmanagement #breastcancer #cancer
Final thank you to sponsors
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x
I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.
Sponsors
I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:
British Nordic Walking
Discount code: walking23
Nordicwalk.store
Paula: 01446 789 154
Walking Women Holidays
Discount code: WOA23
Ginny: 01784 664 063
[email protected]
Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Walking On Air
Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast
...
Next Episode

Becoming a Nordic Walking National Trainer with Steve Ellis
In episode 47, I am once again speaking to British Nordic Walking National Trainer, Steve Ellis, from Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Steve founded Gemini Outdoor Adventure Ltd, and is a qualified ‘Mountain Leader’ and ‘International Mountain Leader. Steve is about to move to New Zealand, where he will continue his work as a National Trainer. During our chat he mentions two other National Trainers, who have been fantastic guests on this show. Steve was trained initially by Karen Ingram, who has appeared twice to discuss how Nordic Walking can help reduce Back Pain, as well as explaining everything you need to know about Nordic Walking Poles. Catherine Hughes, who is CEO of British Nordic Walking has shared her knowledge about the history of Nordic Walking. Steve mentions INWA on several occasions, which is the term used for the International Nordic Walking Association, of which British Nordic Walking is a member. Steve joins me today to explain what is involved in the role of National Trainer and how he came to qualify.
Find An Instructor Near You
https://britishnordicwalking.org.uk/apps/store-locator
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Not only is Nordic Walking a whole body workout, but it is also one of the safest and most sociable way to exercise. Classes always finish up in a cafe enjoying a coffee together. Many thanks, Mary x
I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia. If you wish to share your story, do get in touch by emailing [email protected]
#NordicWalking #W
Final thank you to sponsors
If you have enjoyed this podcast, I would be very grateful if you could show your support by buying me a coffee! This enables me to continue producing these podcasts, as it will go towards covering the server and podcast platform licenses. Many thanks, Mary x
I'm Mary Tweed, a British Nordic Walking instructor with Nordic Walking East Anglia.
Sponsors
I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, who are:
British Nordic Walking
Discount code: walking23
Nordicwalk.store
Paula: 01446 789 154
Walking Women Holidays
Discount code: WOA23
Ginny: 01784 664 063
[email protected]
Social Media
Please contact the show with suggestions, ideas for future topics, or to be interviewed. You can reach me on the following:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Walking On Air
Instagram: walking_on_air_podcast
...
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