High Sheriff Honours Roland Thomas at Furzefield parkrun

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP presented parkrun hero Roland Thomas (Roly) a Celebration of parkrun Award at the Furzefield Leisure Centre Junior parkrun for outstanding contribution to the parkrun community. On the day of the award, it also happend to be the first birthday celebrations of the junior parkrun, with lots lots of junior parkrunners turning up in the sunshine to celebrate one year of running. The addition of the the surprise award ceremony made the birthday an even bigger celebration and surprise for Roland’s award being presented by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.  

Roly takes on every role he can at Furzefield parkrun, always getting there first to set up and make sure the course is safe for everyone; making diversion signs in his own time and being a huge supporter of everyone. He consistently demonstrates great enthusiasm for parkrun, being an avid parkrun tourist, but week in week out he’s at Furzefield supporting all the other Race Directors and juniors completing the route. 

"In my year I’m making some special awards for those outstanding people who put so much into our sporting lives, they are the backbone of sport and physical activity. My diary for Sunday morning read 'Furzefield Junior Parkrun - 1st Birthday (REQUEST NO FEATHERS)'. However, next day delivery of artificial white Pampas Grass allowed a High Sheriff hat to be worn to present a Contribution to parkrun Award' to effervescent volunteer Roly who takes on every role he possibly can, even the warm-up! Thank you to Run Director, James Bentall, Event Directors, Michelle Young and Lindsay Games and superhuman Ambassador, Katrina Dell, who acted as Tail Walker today. Wonderful volunteers, children and parents in Potters Bar!” 

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP

If Roly has inspired you to volunteer there are lots of ways to be involved. parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning. Head to the parkrun website to find your local event here.

For further details of the event and the High Sheriff’s visit, please contact Jane Parker j.parker20@herts.ac.uk.