The Mayor will be joining patients from Hampton Wick Surgery at Bushy Park on November 23 from 9am in a bid to encourage health and wellbeing in the community.

The Royal College of General Practice and Parkrun have also helped to organise the event in the hopes that residents will be encouraged to either walk or run for 5 kilometers in an open green space which is ideal for improving health conditions like obesity, diabetes and some heart conditions.

Dr Subo Emanuel, GP at Hampton Wick Surgery, said: “Hampton Wick Surgery is an official ‘Parkrun Practice’ as exercise can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing the risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

"Exercise also reduces the risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

"We have an amazing Patient Participation Group chair and we socialise with coffee after the walk or run. It’s a great way of building GP and patient partnerships.”

Hampton Wick Surgery launched its ‘Parkrun Practice’ initiative back in August and has since seen many patients turn up to Bushy Park to walk, jog or run the 5kms.

Cllr Nancy Baldwin, Mayor of Richmond, said:“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people at the Parkrun on Saturday. Bushy Park is where the first ever Parkrun took place with just 13 runners 15 years ago. Today, over 3 million people are registered around the world with nearly 250,000 completing a Parkrun every weekend!

"Parkrun promotes inclusiveness, wellbeing and brings the local community together.

"So, register to take part and I will be cheering you on this Saturday!”

The Group meet at the information point behind the mobile café near the Diana Fountain Car Park, Bushy Park at 8:45am for a 9am start.