Thirteen years ago i was given the opportunity by my then employer, North West Leicestershire District Council, to set up the area's first parkrun. At the time parkrun was still relatively unknown with around 40 events throughout the UK and only 1 other in Leicestershire at Braunstone park. On April 16th 2011 i gave my first run brief at Conkers parkrun to 30 people. Nearly 13 years on, the event regularly attracts around 400 participants and is about to celebrate it's 600th event. My tenure as Event Director at Conkers ended after 5 years but my love affair with parkrun has never ended. I'm now a core team member at Sence Valley Forest Park parkrun and I'm writing this shortly after run directing our 4th event.

This drawn out backstory is really just filler to talk about the pleasure volunteering gives. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on peoples faces as they run, jog, and walk their way to a personal best or worst! To know you've enabled someone to get out their house, meet new people and make a difference to their physical and mental wellbeing is profound.

Giving back is one of the evidence based Five Ways to Wellbeing aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population. Through volunteering I get a great sense of reward and a huge feeling of purpose and self worth. All this, alongside remaining active helps me remain mentally healthy reducing the likelihood of my colitis flares.

My eldest daughter Clara is now volunteering with me which has caught the interest of her form teacher at school. She's currently working on an article for the school website. Watch this space!

Let's Get Moving!