Olympian leads walk to empower women back into work

Team GB rower Victoria Thornley led the first walk

A charity that aims to empower women back into the workplace has launched a month-long walking challenge.

Smart Works in partnership with local organisation Walk Works is encouraging people to walk 10,000 steps a day throughout March.

Olympic silver medal-winning rower and Smart Works' ambassador Victoria Thornley took part in the first event that was held in Reading.

The charity's chair, Helen Francis, said it was "hoping to bring people together through walking and talking".

The group walked for about two hours through Reading

The charity launched Step Up for Smart Works to highlight that in April it is on track to have helped support 10,000 women.

Its mission is to help women get back into employment through coaching and professional clothing advice.

It offers free styling sessions and one-to-one interview coaching.

Ms Francis said, for many women, getting a job is a "lifeline" as a chance to escape poverty and restore confidence.

She said 63% of the women it helped have gone on to secure a job within one month.

"In the wake of the cost-of-living crisis, the need for our service has never been more pronounced," she said.

Victoria Thornley encouraged people to join in with the fundraising initiative: "It's a great way to get your steps in, early morning and before work potentially.

"It's a really flexible challenge and most things count."

Participants chatted during the first walk in Reading

Caroline Gratrix, co-founder at Walk Works said: "We absolutely loved leading this 10,000 step launch walk for Smart Works.

"The sun was shining as we made our way around The Holy Brook Nook, along Kennet Canal, Reading Abbey and Huntley Wharf before heading back via the River Thames to the new One Station Hill area with its fabulous artwork, landscaping and brand new walkway to the centre of town."

A mixed group of 16 people walked for about two hours on Tuesday, and raised £180 for Smart Works.

Antonia Taylor, from Caversham was on the walk said she was "thrilled to support" the charity.

"I'm a huge advocate for supporting women back into work and into financial freedom, it's a subject that's really close to my heart.

"Today's walk was a great opportunity to come out and meet like-minded women," she added.

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