Parkruns could be exactly what the doctor ordered

I HAVE been writing recently about the challenges facing the NHS. In many ways resolving these problems is one of the biggest challenges facing the Government. Preserving our NHS and allowing it to resume its place as the envy of the world is very important to Labour supporters.

- David Taylor-Gooby

David Taylor-Gooby in Halloween gear for last weekend's Parkrun at Easington

We are all aware that for the NHS to survive it must not be just about curing people but making them healthy in the first place. Thus I was very pleased to see that the Parkrun, a British initiative which began over 20 years ago has been a phenomenal success and is now taking place all over the world. Regrettably, the ones in Russia were suspended after the invasion of Ukraine, but they have reached as far as Australia.

Full disclosure. I do it. 1 noticed recently to my amazement that I was first on the record sheet. Then I read the small print and discovered that it was in the over eighties category. Still, I thought,

I don't have to tell people that. Someone asked about “my personal Best’ I replied, “Getting round”,

Then he asked about my time. I said “I use a calendar” It is a very welcoming event involving all sorts of people and tolerating those who cannot run very fast like me. Apart from the exercise there is a real spirit of togetherness and also a chance for a bacon sandwich afterwards. The gains in mental wellbeing are offset by the damage done by the bacon sandwich!