I started running coming up to two years ago now. Back then I had nothing but a cheap outfit, and some dog walking trainers, and a determination.

From running laps of a local field on my own in silence to joining the wonderful people of parkrun was a revelation!

I love parkrun and at the toughest, lowest point of my life, it was an oasis. To be able to come and spend a bit of time with likeminded and friendly people was an escape I desperately needed.

I’m not fast, in fact I’m often last at parkrun, but that doesn’t matter. My 50 minute 5k is welcomed and cheered with the same enthusiasm as someone else’s 15 minute 5k and that’s really beautiful.

To go from laps of a field, to finding out about parkrun, to now running FOR parkrun is just a whirlwind but I feel privileged to give back to what has been so beneficial for me.

I’m doing this to keep parkrun free, forever, for everyone