ANDY Murray has called on Brits to do a parkrun for the NHS.
The tennis star is encouraging everyone to join their local 5km run to celebrate the health service’s 75th anniversary.
AFPAndy Murray has heaped praise on NHS staff as he called for Brits to do a “parkrun for the NHS” to mark the health service’s 75th birthday[/caption]
Tens of thousands of people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to run on July 8 and 9 in the NHS trademark blue or fancy dress.
Sir Andy said: “The NHS is one of our nation’s greatest institutions and I am honoured to support its 75th birthday.
“It’ll be amazing to see thousands of people from across the UK walking, running and volunteering at their local parkrun.
“Our nurses, doctors, paramedics, midwives and all of the other NHS staff and volunteers do an amazing job caring for us.
“The NHS’s 75th birthday is an opportunity to recognise their hard work and commitment.”
The former Wimbledon champion first announced a partnership with the NHS in 2018.
In 2021, he slammed a one per cent pay offer to England’s health service workers, branding it “pathetic”.
Parkrun was started in 2004 as a free community event every Saturday morning for the 5km for adults, and 2km for four- to 14-year-olds on Sundays.
There are currently 1,177 events around the country, with more than 2.8million people having taken part since it started.
Some 146,000 people turned out at parkruns in 2018 for the NHS’s 70th birthday.
This year, regular runners will be joined by health service staff, who will take part and also offer information for how people can contribute to the NHS in their area.
Dame Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said: “We are encouraging as many people as possible – from local communities to NHS staff and volunteers.
“It is a great way to get together and celebrate the NHS for its anniversary but importantly, a great way to take steps towards a healthy lifestyle too.”
Chrissie Wellington, of parkrun, said: “We know that participating in parkrun and junior parkrun is incredibly beneficial to people’s mental and physical health.
“‘Parkrun for the NHS’ is the perfect way for us to increase awareness of parkrun across the health sector while at the same time paying tribute to NHS staff and volunteers.”