Cat Morton - Fund-Raising Coordinator at YMCA North Tyneside based in North Shields.
The charity helps vulnerable people with housing, supports social enterprise and provides facilities such as a gym and a nursery. Their focus is to help people thrive, contribute and hope.
Here she tells us about her weekends.
Do you ever have to work weekends?
Yes, I work at the YMCA North Tyneside and often plan community and fundraising events that happen on Saturdays. We recently had ‘Picnic in the Park’ in Northumberland Square, a free community event which saw 4000 wonderful residents and local businesses come to support. There was lovely music, a BBQ, stalls such as hook a duck, fire engines and the sun was shining all day.
Are most weekends the same?
I’m lucky enough to say no, my weekends are not the same. They can vary from work events to hiking in The Lakes, to being in the pub on a sunny afternoon with the local Shields gang.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
If I’m struggling to switch off, I take myself off for a walk or a big hike to release some energy and I find that helps me to relax and enjoy my time off, it’s my way of unwinding from a busy work week and settle into the weekend.
What do you do at a weekend which you can’t fit in through the week?
Adventures. I love exploring and being outdoors, even if it’s just walking along the Fish Quay or along to Whitley Bay, and then through Holywell Dene and back. I’m known for my long walks, around 10-12miles is my usual. I always take my little rescue dog, Gary. He’s had plenty of adventures too, I rescued him from a bucket in Beijing and now he goes all over the North East with me.
Big night out or a night in the house?
I do enjoy socialising, so probably a night out, even just for an hour or two. I’ve recently also been to a local music festival which was like two big nights in one! Music, lots of friends and a great atmosphere. Looking forward to next year’s Coast Fest already.
Morning exercise or a recovery lie in?
Both, it depends on what shenanigans have happened the day before. If I’ve been out hiking, it’s normally an early rise with a cuppa. If I’ve been to the pub, it’s a lie in.
Do you watch or play sport at a weekend?
My passion is walking and hiking. It’s free to do and uses up lots of energy too. I also get to see some fantastic scenery and meet new people too.
Where do you like to eat out at a weekend?
Just Italy in North Shields. Authentic Italian food, run by an Italian family. Superb people and superb food. Love it.
How important is the weekend to you?
Very. I believe that it’s important to do the things that make you happy with the people that make you smile.
What’s the best thing about weekends?
Being happy and smiling.
Of a weekend, you’ll usually find me most happy…?
Outside taking in the sun (that includes a beer garden!)
To find out more about the work of YMCA North Tyneside checkout www. ymcanorthtyneside.org