Rugby MP Mark Pawsey joined over 185,000 people to celebrate the NHS’s 75th anniversary with parkrun UK, with a special event to celebrate the National Health Service.
The parkrun and junior parkrun on 8 and 9 July 2023 were dedicated to the NHS’s 75th anniversary as way to improve their health and fitness and encourage people to be more active. Alongside runners, walkers and joggers both new and old, NHS staff joined the celebrations and promoted many of the great services the NHS provides, including encouraging people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, give blood or sign up to research programmes.
In addition to the events over the weekend, Mark Pawsey MP joined a number of other parliamentarians for a special parliamentary parkrun to mark the NHS’s 75th birthday. Mark and his colleagues were joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, parkrun’s founder and Chrissie Wellington OBE, parkrun’s Global Head of Health and Wellbeing. Many of those taking part, including Mark, wore NHS blue to mark the special day.
Speaking after the NHS75 parkrun, Mark said:
“Parkrun is a great way to get involved with your community, get some exercise and remain healthy. There is always a really great atmosphere, especially at the Rugby parkrun. The special NHS75 celebrations are also an excellent way of encouraging more people to get involved in activities such as parkrun as one of the most effective ways to reduce pressure on the NHS is to simply keep yourself fit and healthy.”
Mark continued:
“I’m really pleased that the weekend showed an increase in the number of people trying out parkrun and it shows both the interest in staying active and the tremendous support there is for the NHS. I hope that those who tried parkrun for the first time recently will continue to take part and enjoy the company and camaraderie that comes with parkrun.”
Rugby’s parkrun takes place at 9am every Saturday morning at Whinfield Recreation Ground on Clifton Road. Those wanting to join the Rugby parkrun can find out more here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/rugby/