It is what it says on the tin!

Carol Maw attributes parkrun in helping her rediscover her love of running and more recently to being in the best shape possible for major abdominal surgery.

She was delighted to be back walking her local parkrun just nine weeks later.

In September 2017, after years of misdiagnosis I was diagnosed with a very rare tumour, in fact a one in a million tumour, called phaeochromocytoma. I had a big surgery the following month to remove the tumour and my adrenal gland.

As part of my recovery I completed the Couch to 5k programme and then my first parkrun in the summer of 2018. I was hooked and fell back in love with running, becoming that person who runs to their local parkrun, does parkrun, then runs home.

I completed my first 10k race the following summer, with parkrun becoming very much part of my weekend routine.

Unfortunately, in the autumn of 2021, we got the devastating news that my rare tumour had returned, this time located on top of my liver and attached to my diaphragm.

I was determined to be as fit as possible before my surgery, so continued to do parkrun as often as I felt able. In February 2022, I had major open abdominal surgery with a minimum eight to twelve week recovery with no running allowed!

Nine weeks post op I returned to parkrun and with the support of my husband and daughter walked my beloved local parkrun on Easter Saturday. I was exhausted but triumphant!

parkrun is all inclusive, for all ages and all abilities, with the tail walkers there to ensure no one is last. parkrun really does do what it says on the tin.

As I continue my crazy journey through all things phaeochromocytoma, parkrun will remain very much a part of that journey.

parkrun is just what you, personally, want it to be and when you put your mind to it you really can achieve anything.

Carol Maw