Introducing CTM Parkrun People - Launching on 30 May

Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB joins local community partners to champion health and wellbeing benefits of being active.

Being active at a pace that suits you can not only support the management of chronic conditions, but also recovery from illness and improve your mental health. 

For Rachel, this is exactly how she got involved with parkrun in the first place. 

In 2018, at just 33, Rachel Reed was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which resulted in her requiring major surgeries and chemotherapy treatments over an 18-month period.

For Rachel, throughout her treatment she found that exercise helped with her mental health and recovery from her surgery. Although it may not be as easy as it once was, Rachel has experienced firsthand how exercise can help people with shared experiences to come together, improve wellbeing and remove traditional barriers. 

It began by getting involved in 5k Your Way - a monthly support group for anyone impacted by cancer that comes together at a designated parkrun even to walk, run, jog, cheer, or volunteer together. 

Held on the last Saturday of every month, Rachel now volunteers for 5k Your Way, to help create safe, accessible opportunities for individuals to engage in exercise in ways that are comfortable for them. 

As well as this, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is also launching CTM Parkrun People a new collaborative community partnership initiative that brings together Health Board staff, patients, charities and local communities to champion the health and wellbeing benefits of being active by walking, cheering or volunteering. 

The first CTM Parkrun People event will be held on the 30 May 2026, at Pontypridd parkrun and throughout the year the team will deliver a series of health themed headline events, designed to help residents build confidence to be active in a supportive, welcoming environment.  

Collaborating with local community partners, each event, May’s will be focused on mental health and wellbeing, bringing together local charities who specialise in these areas to provide support and signposting. This month, Valleys Steps, who offer free, open access wellbeing courses and workshops, will be onsite to provide support and signposting information. As well as The Good Stuff (Play It Again Sport), helping you find the stuff that makes you feel good. Woodland walks, running, gardening and everything in between!

Parkrun People’s next health focus will be diabetes, taking place at Ynysangharad Park on 13 June 2026 and all events will be fully supported by Parkwalk volunteers, 5k Your Way and community members who wish to walk the parkrun route.

26/05/2026