I believe that to gain the most out of the Games you have to get involved. Obviously, as I had to move house I didn’t have much choice about being involved, but I was determined to be positive and see the bigger picture.
Health is an important issue, so anything that encourages people to be active has to be a good thing. And the Games will bring jobs, investment, housing and more open space.
I’ve met so many really fantastic people on the walks, from not just the local area, but the rest of London and Britain, and even some from abroad.
I like seeing their surprised reactions by some of the waterways where there is no traffic noise, with wildlife and so many beautiful shades of green.
They’ll say things like: "I never realized East London was so scenic." Even some people who have lived in Newham all their lives had no idea how scenic it is in places.
There’s also incredible history along the way, like Sir Joseph Bazalgette’s pumping house and sewer which runs under the Greenway, which cleaned up the filthy Thames and saved London from cholera.
Great changes have always happened in Newham, and we are living through more right now. Why not come and see for yourself?
There are guided walks at 11am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday until June 23. On June 24 there will be four walks every 15 minutes, starting at 11am, and former Olympic champion Tessa Sanderson will be there to lead the way. Book your place by calling 0800 052 2012.
Meet at Three Mills Lane, Bromley-by-Bow. Nearest underground is Bromley-by-Bow on the District Line. The S2 and 108 buses stop outside the nearby Tesco supermarket.
