Children at a Royston school have been teaching their grandparents that it’s not too late to get active as part of Herts County Council’s new public health campaign to encourage people to enjoy a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Pupils at Tannery Drift First School invited their grandparents to join them on a daily mile on Tuesday in conjunction with the county-wide initiative to encourage older people to get active.
Headteacher Anna Greetham said: “It was a perfect morning for our ‘daily mile for all ages’ event as we supported the ‘It’s Never Too Late To Be Active’ campaign.
“We are extremely proud of our school community and were delighted that so many friends and family members joined us to run and walk with their children and grandchildren.
“The daily mile has so many great benefits for physical and mental health while also being really sociable.
“Children at Tannery Drift absolutely love taking part in the daily mile and there was a lovely atmosphere as everyone ran together and encouraged each other to keep running.”
Primary schools across Herts have invited older relatives to join them on their daily miles, which has been running since 2016.
According to Herts County Council, physical inactivity costs the county’s health economy more than £16 million a year and is the fourth greatest cause of death and disability – causing one in six deaths in the UK.
The ‘It’s Never Too Late To Get Active’ campaign gives residents that sign up a free local activity pass for themselves and a friend which entitles them to a taster of some of the activities and classes provided by district councils and leisure centres across Herts.
Herts County Council’s director of public health, Jim McManus, said: “We know that children are the best inspiration to motivate older adults to be more active so we are very grateful to all the schools and young people who are helping us launch our campaign.
“We hope this campaign will inspire older adults to move more, and help all ages feel the benefits of regular activity and having fun together.”
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