Photo: Shafiq Khan
Published Thursday 15 July 2021 at 10:19
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Derek Hardman presented Running Mayor Andrew Gardner with a celebration ‘mayoral’ chain made by local school children this week.
The Running Mayor for Blackburn with Darwen is raising awareness for everyday running across our borough and bringing plenty of enthusiasm and experience to help residents give it a go.
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Hardman said: “I’m delighted to present this celebration ‘mayoral’ chain to our Running Mayor – what a wonderful inclusive message he has for our local communities.”
Photo: Shafiq Khan
In this voluntary role, Andrew Gardner, signed up because he believes running is for everyone – and personally has benefited from it physically and emotionally:
“Running has helped me so much over the past few years, mentally and physically. Especially during lockdown, like most people, I needed to get some head space and running gives you that. I want the BwD community to come together and support new runners.”
Blackburn Children’s University students worked together to design a ‘celebration’ chain to show their support for Andrew stepping up to promote running in his borough.
The winning design was created by Afiya from Wensley Fold, and the two runners up were Azaan from Wensley Fold and Shanelle from Sacred Heart. All children enjoyed the medallion making project that took place during the half term holiday, with some of their designs also featuring on the chain.
Photo: Shafiq Khan
Afiya felt really happy meeting the Mayor and said: “It is good to be active and do things in the local area”
Shanelle felt really excited and happy, she said: “When you run you get more strength!”
Azaan was amazed and loved the activity! He said: “You get to run fast if you run!”
Photo: Shafiq Khan
Blackburn Children’s University manager, Sara Burton, said: “The Mayor of Blackburn has a ceremonial chain – so we wanted to give Andrew a celebration chain.
“It’s been so valuable for the children to consider everyday running in the community. Andrew is raising awareness that while it’s not always easy to take that first step – we should encourage each other to be more active.”
Blackburn with Darwen’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Damian Talbot, said: “Being more active will help you to maintain a healthy weight which will help your body to fight diseases – including coronavirus. Running is also a great way to beat stress and meet like-minded people in your community you might not otherwise run into.”
Related links:
Read more about the Running Mayor
Running Mayor tips to get started | Blackburn with Darwen Connect (bwdconnect.org.uk)
Tell us how to improve BwD streets for walking, running & cycling
Have your say on BwD cycling and walking plan | Blackburn with Darwen Connect (bwdconnect.org.uk)
Be more active in BwD
Be Active | re:fresh (refreshbwd.com)
National Highways Survey