Veterans, families and local residents are invited to run, walk or simply stand together in remembrance on Saturday 7 November

Health Care First, a Veteran Friendly NHS GP Partnership, will host the Health Care First Community Poppy Run and Walk 2026 on Saturday 7 November at 11:00am from Pinfold Surgery, Methley. The free 5K event is organised with Methley Striders, Rothwell Harriers, local veteran organisations and community supporters, and up to 300 people are expected to take part. It will bring together veterans, serving personnel, Armed Forces families and local residents in a shared act of remembrance in the days before Remembrance Day.

The morning will begin with a short Act of Remembrance, including the sounding of the Last Post, giving participants and spectators the chance to pause and honour those who have served. Participants will then set off on a fully marshalled 5K route along local pavements and canal-side paths, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all abilities. The event is not timed and is a community occasion rather than a race. People are welcome to run, jog, walk, volunteer or simply come along to show their support, and families, children, community groups and well-behaved dogs are all encouraged to join in.

Every participant will receive a commemorative medal, certificate and goody bag, with refreshments served afterwards. Entry is free, and voluntary donations collected on the day will support local Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal activities.

Health Care First holds Veteran Friendly GP Practice accreditation, a national NHS recognition for practices committed to identifying and supporting veterans, reservists and Armed Forces families on their patient lists. The Poppy Run and Walk takes that commitment into the wider community, alongside the partnership’s work to improve health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation and build stronger, healthier communities through local partnerships. With veterans living in every community, Remembrance remains a deeply personal occasion for many local families, and the event aims to ensure their service continues to be recognised by future generations.

The partnership is also inviting local businesses, community organisations, cadet units, charities and volunteers to get involved and help make the day a meaningful community tribute.

Elaine Jones, Operations Manager at Health Care First Partnership, said: “At Health Care First, we believe healthcare extends beyond the walls of our practices. Building healthier communities means creating opportunities for people to come together, support one another and recognise the service and sacrifice that has helped shape our communities. The Community Poppy Run and Walk is more than just a run or walk. It is an opportunity for veterans, serving personnel, military families and local residents to stand together in remembrance, gratitude and respect. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer or simply join us in remembrance, everyone will receive a warm welcome.”

Health Care First is currently welcoming new patients across its practices in Castleford, Normanton, Ferrybridge, Byram, Methley and Airedale. Registering with a GP is free, quick and straightforward, and no proof of address or ID is needed. Residents can register online at healthcarefirst.co.uk/newpatients or ask at any of the partnership’s sites.

To register for the Poppy Run and Walk, or to volunteer or get involved, email Elaine.Jones34@nhs.net. More information about Health Care First is available at healthcarefirst.co.uk.

Health Care First