Wakefield’s ‘WalkingGirll’ Georgie Smith joins Mountain Rescue as Ambassador alongside TV's Ben Fogle

Georgie joins the charity's new ambassador programme alongside broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle and fellow outdoor creator Sam Culley, helping to raise awareness of Mountain Rescue's lifesaving work and promote safe and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.

Known online as WalkingGirll, Georgie has built a loyal social media following by helping everyday walkers discover accessible and dog-friendly adventures across the UK.

Through practical route guides, recommendations and an honest approach to outdoor life, the hiker has inspired thousands of people to take their first steps into exploring the outdoors.

Georgie said: "I'm really excited to be a Mountain Rescue ambassador for so many reasons.

"As an individual with a following who has grown up respecting the outdoors, I now have an opportunity and a responsibility to encourage people to enjoy being outside safely and respectfully too."

For Georgie, 31, the outdoors became especially important following a diagnosis of a rare form of skin cancer, which left her with life-changing scarring to her face and body.

She said: "Nothing inspires you more to keep your fitness up than being in and out of hospitals and recovery.

"I really realised how important being outside and staying active was. I began sharing my favourite trialled and tested routes so other people could plan and look forward to enjoying them too."

What began as a way to document her own adventures has grown into a thriving online community focused on supporting everyday hikers.

On Instagram alone she has more than 357k followers.

"I don't always have to climb a huge mountain or do a really long walk to enjoy it. Sometimes the short walks with a cosy local pub at the end are all you need."

Through her ambassador role, Georgie will help MREW share important outdoor safety messages and highlight the work of the volunteer rescue teams who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across England and Wales.

Andy Buchan, Chief Executive of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, said: "Georgie has built a trusted and highly engaged community through her passion for the outdoors and her ability to inspire people to get outside and explore.

"Importantly, she encourages people to enjoy the countryside safely, responsibly and with confidence, values that align closely with the work of Mountain Rescue.

"Her support will help us reach new audiences, share important safety messages and raise awareness of the extraordinary work our volunteer rescue teams carry out every day across England and Wales.

"We're delighted to welcome her as an ambassador."