Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
Being prescribed Parkrun is a win-win for health
Regarding Parkruns (which are free) being prescribed on the NHS, I disagree with Matt’s view that it’s a ‘ridiculous’ idea (MetroTalk, Thu).
Yes, he is correct that it is possible to go for a free run (or walk) ‘wherever, whenever’, but his assertion that we are ‘lazy and idiotic as a nation’ if we need these things prescribed to us is wrong.
Some people are unable or unwilling to run or walk alone, for various reasons. The benefits of participating in a Parkrun are numerous.
They are organised events, where anyone is welcome, regardless of experience, background or ability.
Participants can run or walk and will never be alone as there are ‘tail-walkers’ who follow behind the last person.
Marshals on the course cheer participants on and I know from experience that newcomers are made to feel welcome.
The point of Parkrun being prescribed is that patients who are likely to benefit from a safe and inclusive way to exercise will be made aware of Parkrun and encouraged to join in at their local event – even as a volunteer, if they don’t wish to run or walk.
Many patients who have been prescribed Parkrun have discovered a new hobby, made new friends, gained confidence and become fitter (both physically and mentally), along with other benefits. A win-win for the patient and the NHS. Karen, Hornchurch
Beyond running it’s a social event
‘Parkrun is more than just a run’
Matt is right – you can just get up and run 5km if you want. But Parkrun is more than just a run, it is also a social event where you can have coffee and chat afterwards, which is also good for mental health. It’s possible to do both things. Peter Collins, Wimbledon
Join the community, not just a 5K
Join the country’s biggest running club (even if you’re a walker)
Joining parkrun is free – it doesn’t matter if you’re a keen runner, a jogger, a walker, a social stroller or are keen to volunteer and cheer from the sidelines.
Register for parkrun here.
Did we mention it’s free (tick) and you only need to do it once (tick tick).
‘The whole idea is to cenourage people to take part‘
I’m afraid Matt misses the point. The whole idea is to encourage people
to take part in this free weekly run as
a form of regular exercise and join like-minded people to enjoy the event together as a community.
Left to individuals to go ‘wherever, whenever’ they like will not always work as the incentive to go alone can sometimes be negative. Mike Morfey, Streatham Vale
‘Real’ crime should be the focus of the police
‘stop arresting people for saying ouchy things online’
To further add to Jay’s comment about security guards turning a blind eye to shoplifters at a London Bridge shop (MetroTalk, Thu), I think I know the shop he means and I too have witnessed many shoplifters there.
Usually these chancers strike in the evening but I also remember seeing a kid swipe an entire lunch from there one morning.
What’s more, he acted as if me and a couple of other women who tried to stop him were in the wrong. He took an entire lunch!
The sooner the police stop arresting people for saying ouchy things online and start targeting real crime, the better. Agnes, London
My life motto
‘Motto Corner’
Re Nick’s suggested ‘Motto Corner’ of suggestions from Metro readers (MetroTalk, Thu), here’s my motto: ‘When you realise you can’t win… you’ve won!’ Col Blake, Ealing
Our overseas aid budget affects more than Ukraine
‘Unimaginable damage to millions of people in the world’s least developed countries.’
What a tragedy it is that our
overseas aid budget is being cut to increase our defence spending and so build up a war chest.
I echo former Tory MP Rory Stewart’s remark that this will result in ‘unimaginable damage’ to millions of people in the world’s least developed countries.
Vladimir Putin’s tyrannical attacks on Ukraine, and ongoing threats, have largely contributed to the government’s decision. When the Ukraine war is eventually settled and the final death toll revealed, there will also be countless innocent victims who will have heartbreakingly perished in poverty-stricken lands within Africa, Asia and South America – dying of disease and hunger, due to those cuts – who are unlikely to be acknowledged in those statistics. Robert Hughes, London
Starmer’s Trump card
Sir Keir Starmer played a blinder’
Sir Keir Starmer appears to have played a blinder during his meeting with Donald Trump (Metro, Fri).
That was especially the case when Sir Keir presented Trump with an invitation from the King for another state visit.
I think this gave a whole new meaning to the old adage of ‘playing your Trump card.’ Carlos, Lancashire
BP going back on promise puts oil of our lives at risk
I am appalled at BP going back on it’s promise to invest in renewables (Metro, Thu).
This is our future – mine, theirs and yours. How dare they put my life at risk due to greed.
I have joined protests over fossil fuels and we should all be up in arms about this. We have little hope for the future unless we just stop using oil and other fossil fuels.
And for people getting upset by Just Stop Oil, how much more inconvenient is your life going to be in 15 years when we are facing severe hunger, floods and droughts and mass climate refugees?
We do not have time for and niceties, we are trying to prevent more mass deaths and mass extinction. So many species are going and tipping points being hit that we are at risk of not having a future. Sophie, London
