A grandma who never thought she’d run again and a brain tumour survivor battling back to health were among the recent graduates from a free Fenland ‘couch to 5k’ running programme.
A near-octogenarian seasoned marathon runner also joined the programme.
Sam Ingram, aged 50, of Wisbech, who was struck down by a brain tumour four years ago in the midst of the Covid pandemic, which she also contracted, said: "It just goes to show anyone can do this, no matter what you have been through."
Sam’s recovery is still ongoing - she has had to undergone five major operations since her diagnosis, including to have a metal plate fitted in her skull, but has fought back to return to part-time work.
"For me, running helps take away the trauma, and coming here is totally different than just doing it by yourself.
"It does me so much good."
Bookings are now open for the next 12-week blocks of free couch to 5k weekly one-hour running sessions – available in March and Wisbech.
The sessions allow people to progress at their own pace, building up from gentle walking to, as is right for them, intermittent or sustained jogging or running.
Active Fenland is also offering family running sessions, as one-off sessions or a course, open to adults with children aged eight and above.
Free family running sessions, for adults accompanied by children aged eight plus, for which booking is essential, will be held:
- Tuesday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 15, 9.30am to 10.30am, meeting at Wisbech Park, Lynn Road, Wisbech PE13 3AB.
- Wednesday, April 9, and Wednesday, April 16, 10.30am to 11.30am, meeting at West End Park, March, PE15 9LT.
- Tuesdays, from April 22 to June 10, 6pm to 7pm, meeting at the pavilion at Wisbech Park, Lynn Road, Wisbech PE13 3AB.
Free 'couch to 5k' programmes will be held:
- Wednesdays, from May 14 to July 16, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, meeting at the Elm Road Sports Field, March, PE15 0BH.
- Tuesdays, from April 22 to July 8, 9.30am to 10.30am, meeting near the pavilion at Wisbech Park, Lynn Road, Wisbech PE13 3AB.
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