Our very own Vice-Chair Paul had a special weekend as he clocked up a parkrun milestone with his 50th volunteering credit with, he said:

“It was very special, as someone who was told not to do sport as a kid due to my heart condition, being able to participate through both doing the events and as importantly by volunteering is so, so special. Some of my fellow volunteers have done hundreds, so this also allows me to feel that I’ve reached a proper milestone.

Parkwalking has helped Paul stay active and tail walking is something he loves doing, he added: “For me it’s about being part of something bigger that helps people enjoy exercise, meet others and have a bit of fun.

“Parkwalking helped me stay active while I was waiting heart valve surgery. The heart condition I was born with was getting worse and my fitness was affected and it allowed me to keep going.

“It also helped me recover, and get back to walking faster and running a bit, I’ve been helped by so many people over the years, that volunteering is my way of giving something back – be with parkrun or my roles as a trustee of Children’s Heart Association in the NW or Children’s Heart Federation nationally.

“As the runners and walkers stretch out in front of me, some in 17 minutes, others over the hour, knowing that we’re all doing this together and that I’m helping in my small way to make it happen is a good feeling.”

“Knowing that I’m the last person on the walk, that I can encourage others to keep going and to take aware the fear that people feel about being last is something I’m proud of.”

We can do it together!

You can join us by signing up to our 100 Miles in May challenge an outdoor adventure whilst raising vital funds to support heart children and their families. Each one of your steps could be life changing!

 

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