James joined his Parliamentary colleagues this morning as MP’s from across the House of Commons came together for a 4k run in St James’s Park in central London, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Health Service.
Arranged in collaboration between the NHS75 team, Parkrun UK and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Parkrun, James ran alongside former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Government Chief Whip Simon Hart and several of his West Midlands colleagues, including Stuart Anderson, Eddie Hughes and Valerie Vaz.
The parkrun came on the same day that the NHS celebrated its 75th anniversary, with universal free healthcare being launched across the country on 5th July 1948.
“The NHS is a much-loved institution and as it marks its 75th year, it is a great opportunity to pay tribute to all the doctors, nurses, specialists and everyone else who makes up the NHS workforce and pay great tribute to them for the work they do to save lives and make us healthier", said James.
“Running is a great hobby of mine, not only keeping me fit but helping my mental health too, so it was great to join colleagues and do something we all enjoy, to celebrate a service we all love. Whilst there may be political differences over issues like funding or the structures of the NHS, most of us across the political spectrum are committed to the principles of a universal health system free at the point of use.”
James is no stranger to running in the capital, having completed the London Marathon in 2018 and 2019 and taking part in several half marathons and 10k races.
