MEET THE TEAM
British Nordic Walking was founded in 2008. We are run by Nordic Walkers, for Nordic Walkers and are a Community Interest Company, (a not-for-profit organisation). Meet our team of passionate INWA National Trainers, our talented staff team and volunteer Board members.
Catherine Hughes | National Trainer | CEO | Nottingham
Catherine has taught Nordic Walking to a diverse range of people since 2006. She loves seeing people reap the benefits of learning how to Nordic Walk. She is CEO at British Nordic Walking and her role includes sharing her passion for Nordic Walking to grow participation and ensuring support for our network of instructors. Her vision is for Nordic Walking to be available close to all our communities.
Eilidh Paterson | National Trainer | Highland Perthshire
Eilidh runs her successful business providing Nordic Walking training and walks at various venues throughout Highland Perthshire. She says, "Seeing people learn a new skill, explore new areas and improve their health all with a smile on their faces is powerful motivation to really push the benefits of Nordic Walking as well as continue develop my own skills."
John Horton | National Trainer | North Kent
John is a paramedic, a university associate lecturer, and an examiner for The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He came to Nordic walking as an alternative to ultra-marathon running. "My motivation in life has always been to make a positive difference to peoples' lives. I get immense pleasure from seeing how Nordic walking enriches my clients’ lives, not just the improvements in physical health but also by the feeling of wellbeing."
Hamish Willis | National Trainer | Lancashire
When Hamish was at school, teachers would ask him what his ideal job would be. The answer was always, ‘working outdoors with people’, which is exactly what he does. Hamish is an orienteering coach, a qualified teacher, personal trainer, Youth Fitness Specialist and a Level 4 Strength and Conditioning coach. He is passionate about teaching people and loves the challenge of instructing outdoors in bad weather!
Karen Ingram | INWA International Trainer | Cardiff
Karen has a love for all things outdoors especially Nordic Walking. Qualified as an INWA International Trainer, she brings her background in movement and Pilates to her teaching. Karen is a Pilates teacher trainer, a Pain therapist and an author. Karen says, "There is something magical about training outdoors, even in the Welsh rain!". She teaches from her base in Wales and presents workshops across the UK and internationally.
Steve Ellis I National Trainer | Wiltshire
Steve has been a National Trainer since 2013, having qualified as an Instructor in 2011. As the founder and co-owner of Gemini Outdoor; Steve has been trekking in the mountains of the UK, Africa, Europe and New Zealand for over 30 years. He is an ‘International Mountain Leader. Steve says, “I am in my ‘happy place’ when walking with friends in the hills and mountains”. Steve is a member of the INWA Education Committee.
Tatiana Novaes | National Trainer | London
Tatiana has a passion for teaching and helping people to achieve their goals and to keep getting stronger. A Pilates teacher, Nordic Walking Trainer and choreographer, Tatiana is an expert in the moving body. She is based in her studio in London and teaches internationally.
Ella Ferris | Office Manager
A qualified teacher with a background in charities and financial services, Ella is our Office Manager and, of course, a passionate Nordic Walker. She trained with Catherine Hughes in 2008 and Nordic walked the Robin Hood Half Marathon. When Ella is not in the office she loves making the most of the outdoors with a pair of poles.
Rachel Davis | Administrative Assistant
Rachel is primarily involved with membership renewals, clothing purchases & invoicing, and is on hand to help with most queries. She has been an active Nordic Walking Instructor since 2014. When not working, Rachel volunteers as a Cub Scout leader. In the rest of her spare time she enjoys sailing, badminton, tennis, orienteering, gardening, cooking, board and video games.
Lisa Drewe | Board Member
Lisa is a management consultant, Chair of Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion, ambassador for the National Outdoor Expo and author of ‘Islandeering: adventures around the outside edge of Britain’s hidden islands'. She is a British Nordic Walking instructor, qualified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist. Her favourite thing is to be on, in, under or next to water.