Hundreds of runners created a blue wave at Sheffield parkrun events this weekend as NHS staff, volunteers and local communities combined to celebrate the 75th birthday of the NHS. 

Backed by the likes of tennis star Sir Andy Murray, parkruns across the country took part in ‘parkrun for the NHS’ on Saturday 8 July to celebrate the momentous landmark for the service. 

Runners, joggers and walkers from the city’s three NHS Trusts, Sheffield Health and Social Care, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield Children’s, joined together dressed in blue clothing, scrubs and other work uniforms to contribute to the blue wave. 

Liz Wainwright, occupational therapist at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, who took part in the Endcliffe parkrun said: “It was amazing to have so many people turning up, wearing blue to celebrate this moment. It’s such an honour to see people come together like this and to be here with my son, for him to celebrate the NHS along with us all. It makes me incredibly proud to work for the NHS.”

‘parkrun for the NHS’ not only recognised this huge milestone for the NHS, it also encouraged more people to get involved with their local parkrun or junior parkrun. 

‘parkrun for the NHS’ also helped people to make steps towards a more healthy, active lifestyle, boosting confidence and self-esteem, and improving mental health. 

Anyone could get involved with people invited to walk, jog or run 5K at their local parkrun to celebrate this major milestone in the NHS’s history and acknowledge all the staff and volunteers, past and present, who have made the NHS what it is.