Words: Jean Hollings
Photos: Simon Cullingworth
Arthur Wood completed his 477th parkrun on Saturday (26 September) at Bramley Park.
This in itself is not an official or memorable milestone; what is extraordinary is that it is 10 years ago this month he suffered a heart attack whilst participating at Bramley parkrun.
Thankfully, there was an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the event, which had only been donated two weeks previously, and which, thanks to fellow Pudsey pacers and an off-duty paramedic, was able to restart his heart. All parkrun events now must have an AED.
Within one month he was back at Bramley, walking and encouraging participants around the three-lap course.
Arthur, who is 76, only took up running in his 40s but has always been a sports enthusiast.
Until last year, Arthur ran with the Pudsey Pacers running club where he was in charge of the beginners running group, helping to train and motivate new club members, and those who had recently taken up the hobby to help them gain strength and confidence in their running.
Arthur’s first parkrun was in Bradford in 2012. It’s become a real family affair as his children and grandchildren are all involved in running and parkrun too.
Arthur said that Bramley parkrun means everything to him, his friends and family joined him to celebrate his 10-year survival anniversary.
His daughter, Stacey, told WLD: “We feel lucky to have dad around for an ‘extra’ ten years.
“After his cardiac arrest subsequent triple heart bypass and months of rehabilitation, he’s been able to continue his parkrun journey.
“Highlights include trips to Poland, Holland and Jersey, along with completing his Yorkshire and Humber regionnaire status; his eyes are now firmly set on celebrating his 500th parkrun at Bramley in early 2027.’’
- More details on how to get involved with Bramley parkrun can be found here.
Sponsored content
