Graham met local runners and volunteers at Beverley parkrun to support a group helping people living with and beyond cancer, and to remember a much-missed local campaigner.
The 5K Your Way group meets on the last Saturday of every month at Beverley Westwood. It brings together people affected by cancer to walk, jog or run, and to support each other through recovery and beyond.
The visit follows Graham’s previous attendance in December 2023, when he joined the group to see their work first-hand.
That visit was organised by local ambassador Allyson Kent.
Allyson, who sadly died from cancer in October 2024, was at the heart of the group. She inspired many people to take part after her own diagnosis, combining determination with a quiet optimism that left a lasting impression on those around her.
Graham said it was important to return and recognise the role she played in building such a strong and supportive community.
Beverley parkrun itself continues to go from strength to strength, with around 200 people taking part most weeks and a large team of volunteers giving up their time to make it happen.
Graham said: “Allyson was a lovely, optimistic person who made a real difference to people around her.
She showed what this group is all about. Getting out, keeping going, and supporting each other through difficult times.
It was important to come back, remember her, and see that her legacy is still there in the people taking part.
Her legacy lives on every Saturday morning on the Westwood.
Parkrun works because it is simple. It is community-led. And it does not cost anything to take part.
That is why it has grown so quickly and why people value it so much.
Groups like 5K Your Way build on that. They give people dealing with cancer the confidence to come along, take part, and feel supported.
What I saw again this morning was people looking out for each other. That matters.”
