Staff join Torbay runners for NHS birthday Parkrun

Torbay residents joined Torbay General Practice (TGP) staff for a special ‘Parkrun’ event on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

The run, which took place at the Torbay Velopark, was one of hundreds held across the country to celebrate the health service’s milestone.

TGP was well represented at the event by staff, who ran the 5km course in NHS blue and healthcare-themed dress.

‘Parkrun’ has become a national institution since being set up in 2004. Saturday’s special running of the free community event was held to recognise the contribution that the NHS makes to the health of the nation and celebrate its staff and volunteers.

Steph Tedstone, Management Partner at Compass House Medical Centres, was among the contingent of TGP runners.

She said: “Torbay’s ‘Parkrun for the NHS’ was a brilliant event and a fitting way to mark our health service’s 75th birthday.

“There was an excellent turn out from local practice staff and it was great fun to run alongside members of the community, most of whom will be patients are the various TGP practices.

“We really appreciate their support at the event, which we also hope will encourage more people to take up exercise and get involved with their local parkrun.”

Parkrun for the NHS was also supported by Britain’s former Wimbledon champion, Sir Andy Murray.

“The NHS is one of our nation’s greatest institutions and I’m honoured to support its 75th birthday,” he said.

“’Parkrun for the NHS’ is a great initiative, and it was amazing to see thousands of people from across the UK walking, running and volunteering at their local parkrun and junior parkrun events to mark this major milestone in the NHS’s history.”