I first started running in 2015 when my eldest daughter asked me to go to Oldham parkrun with her - I was the taxi of course - and even though I was quite slow and suffered the next day with very stiff legs, I loved it.

I decided to look for a running group and found my nearest was Royton and they had a beginners group. I started just as many of you will start and did the couch to 5k group, doing my first Oldham parkrun with the group In August 2015. I then did the improver group and did my first 10k in Salford.

I then joined Royton Road Runners and started to run with the base group. Over the years I've run with a few of the groups and everyone is friendly, helpful and supportive. I've made lots of new friends and I love being out in the open air, the freedom running gives and the support received by running as a group.

I've competed in lots of races from 5k to half marathon and enjoy the challenge each one presents. I've taken on Cross Country which is my favourite so far, even with all the mud! I'm not the fastest of runners but that really doesn't matter, the camaraderie between all the club runners is brilliant and even the fastest cheer you on as they run past finishing in half the time I do, or are there to encourage at the finish.
I wanted to help with these groups as this is where I started my love of running and hope that I can help in any small way for others to also find the freedom and enjoyment a good run can bring.