BetterPoints Lancashire allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Lancashire to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Lancashire Star. Mark was chosen as our latest winner and received 20,000 BetterPoints (£20) for sharing his story. For your chance to win, download the app via the App Store or Google Play or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.
Mark from Barnoldswick has embraced a walking and bus commute for his new job. With the app keeping him motivated, he’s losing weight, boosting his wellbeing and preparing for a quicker recovery from his upcoming knee operation. Here is what he had to say:
How did you find out about the app and why did you choose to get involved?
“It was my wife, she works at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust where they’ve been promoting it to staff.
I was a green travel champion at my previous employer, so I was interested in it from a carbon footprint point of view as well as the reward earning.
What were your travel habits like before you joined the app?
“I was car sharing with a colleague to get to work in Skipton, but I’ve recently changed jobs. I now work in Whalley. It takes 30 minutes to get there in the car but as it’s an office job it would mean I’m sedentary all day.
I’m currently waiting for a bilateral knee replacement. I was told if I’m active and losing weight it will make the recovery time a lot quicker. I wanted to look at different ways of getting to work to ensure I got some walking in. So I tried walking and taking the bus to work.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“I’ve been using it for about 8 weeks now. I really like it. It’s great to see what I’ve achieved throughout the day. Even though walking is quite painful at the moment, the app encourages you to push yourself a little further.
When I am sat on the bus on the way home, I’ll check my activities to make sure it has picked everything up, and it has. It’s accurate in terms of distance and time travelled and is perfectly in sync with my smart watch.
I am saving up my rewards to spend them on an Amazon voucher for Christmas. Whilst a voucher is the end point, seeing the journey stats is the main motivator for me day to day.
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
“I’m now walking and taking the bus to work every time now, 5 days a week. It takes me about an hour door to door.
If I have a night out in town, I’ll walk home rather than grab a taxi like I used to. It’s a 20 minute walk compared to a 5 minute drive, but I know it’s better for me and I’m being rewarded for it.
I’m also cycling at least once a week, usually to go see a friend along the canal path.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“I’ve lost a stone in weight over the last couple of months. I’ve made some dietary changes but mainly I put it down to the walking and cycling. I’m feeling better mentally as well".
To join BetterPoints Lancashire, simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR code below and register an account with your Lancashire postcode. If you live outside but commute in to the county please enter the referral code: bplancsooa.
