'Parkrun saved my life after drug addiction'

Lorraine Parbury says parkrun had given her a second chance

A woman recovering from drug addiction has credited Parkrun with saving her life.

Lorraine Parbury, 38, says volunteering at the event in Clifton, Nottingham, had given her a fresh focus.

Her recovery from amphetamine addiction began five years ago, but Ms Parbury told the BBC she needed something to keep herself occupied as Covid restrictions began to ease.

Since then, she has become more involved in running Clifton's Parkrun and is now a co-event director.

Parkrun, a free 5km event held at 2,500 parks across the country - marks its 20th anniversary this month.

Ms Parbury got involved after learning her local event needed volunteers.

"Parkrun has saved my life," she said.

"I'd hit rock bottom. Before Covid hit, I wouldn't come out my flat at all.

"I started [volunteering] just over three years ago. Lockdown had ended and I needed something else to do."

Confidence returns

Initially she would cheer on the runners, but quickly progressed to organising the event as run director and now takes charge of much of the event administration.

"When I first came down, I was quiet as a mouse. Now three years later I'm co-event director," she said.

"When I was an addict my children were cared for by my sister. I needed a routine to get my life back.

"I would go to Parkrun and then go on to visit my kids afterwards, every Saturday."

Earlier this year, her children moved back in with her on a full-time basis.

She is now training to become a recovery support worker and credits her regular volunteering with helping to build a new life.

"Parkrun helped my recovery. It built my confidence back up that I used to have many years ago before I let my addiction take over," she said.

"It's given me a second chance. I have a reputation again."

For Jane Stubbs, parkrun is a place to meet people and make friends

Ms Parbury is not the only person who says it makes a difference.

"I was never into sport at school really - but I love being outside and I love walking," said 59-year-old Jane Stubbs.

"And it's just got more of that - meeting people, making friends."

Laura Smith, one of the founders of Clifton Parkrun, added: "It has so many benefits for health and community, and physical health as well as mental.

"Clifton is a big estate and it benefits the community being available here and being accessible to all abilities."