JUDE BOOTLE, economic development champion for Llandrindod Wells, has been chosen to join The Big Walk, a major charity event aimed at fostering better-connected communities.

Jude set off from Morecambe yesterday (Wednesday, May 16) live on BBC’s One Show, as four teams of walkers fanned out across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The annual event will see the four teams visit projects and community groups that are making a difference to people’s lives across Britain.

Morecambe has been chosen as the starting point because of its position right at the centre of the UK. As part of the team from Wales, Jude will be walking initially from Morecambe to Flintshire before making her way south through Welsh towns and villages on the border with England. She will then make her way west along the South Wales coast, visiting Cardiff and Swansea before travelling north and heading towards her home town.

Along the way Jude will be helping to spread the word about the strength and importance of communities and encouraging people to take part in the Big Walk’s finale the Big Lunch – the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours on Sunday, June 3.

The idea for the Big Walk and the Big Lunch has come from an initiative run by the Eden Project in Cornwall and is being made possible with support from the National Lottery.

Jude said: “What I’m incredibly excited about is visiting all these different communities and the wonderful projects that are going on in each place. And moreover, getting to meet the people who give up their time to make them work.

“There are unsung heroes across Wales who volunteer and work very hard each day to make their communities better by bringing people together. I feel privileged that I’ve been chosen for this role because it means that I’m going to have the opportunity to meet so many of them.”

Jude, 56, lives with her wife Sue and beloved dog, Idgie, just outside Llandrindod Wells. As the project officer for Llandrindod Wellness, she involved in many of Llandrindod’s most exciting initiatives, including helping to deliver the next phase of the Economic Regeneration Plan for Llandrindod.

She was one of the inventors of the Llandrindod Well Done celebratory party to thank all the wonderful volunteers doing good deeds in the town. She is also the co-organiser for the grassroots Llandrindod Soup group, helps out with the Llandod Carnival and Flicks in the Llandod Sticks, a travelling cinema.

Originally a keen runner, Jude had to stop following an injury. She has since embraced walking, hence her participation in The Big Walk. She also leads the Just Move, walk-to-run ladies group in Llandrindod Wells.

Jude’s progress during the walk can be followed on Twitter (@JudeDood and #TheBigWalk) and Facebook. Anyone keen to take part in the Big Lunch on June 3 can order a free pack from www.the biglunch.com.