Patients urged to get active to boost West Norfolk exercise rates

Doctors are encouraging patients to put on their running shoes and get active by joining their nearest parkrun.

West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group is teaming up with Lynn parkrun to encourage more patients to exercise and improve their health and wellbeing.

More people in West Norfolk are reporting to be doing 30 minutes of exercise each week but hopes are high that doctors will be able to encourage more patients to do the same.

Downham Market GP, Dr Clare Hambling, who has recently completed the Trinity Rotary Club 10km Cross Country Run, said: “Exercise is really good for both your physical and mental health. It is also important for health ageing.

“I find exercise the best way to unwind after a busy day at work and it also makes you feel good. I think I’m hooked on it now.

“The secret is to find something you enjoy and parkruns are free and a non-intimidating way for patients in West Norfolk to get active.”

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is working with parkrun UK to promote closer links between surgeries and their local parkrun to inspire more people to get active.

Director of Lynn parkrun, Gary Walker, said more than 350 people go along to The Walks at 9am and it has also helped to spark off a number of friendships and spin-off exercise groups.

He said: “If you want to improve your fitness along with your wellbeing then parkruns are fantastic way to do that.

“One of the best things about the King’s Lynn parkrun is our family atmosphere, our runners feel like they are part of a community.

“They help each other out along the way and no-one is ever last as we have a trail runner. It also not a race, it is just you against the clock. It is not a club, it is a community and, of course, it is all free.”

For more information, visit www.parkrun.org.uk.