Double King's Award recognition for Fitmums and Friends and Redway Runners

We are delighted to share that two England Athletics affiliated clubs, Fitmums and Friends and Redway Runners have been granted the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service!

Created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the now King's Award for Voluntary Service has been shining a light on the fantastic contributions of voluntary groups from across the UK. This year a total of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups have been recognised. Equivalent to an MBE, the King's Award is the highest Award to be given to local voluntary groups, and they are awarded for life.

Let's get to know a little more about the two outstanding recipients:

Fitmums and Friends

Based in Yorkshire and the Humber, Fitmums and Friends was founded back in 2009 by the incredible Sam Barlow who just wanted to meet other parents once her children were in school. From five mums turning up on Sam's doorstep each week to over 200 in 2011, it was an incredible feat of achievement - but the group didn't stop there and expanded to incorporate anyone who wanted to get active and socialise. Fast forward to 2024 and Fitmums now have 19 different groups across Yorkshire and the Humber, with three dedicated junior groups too.

Not just focused on running, Fitmums and Friends also run life-changing groups and sessions for all different members of the community. From buggy pushing to Nordic walking and special activity days for children experiencing grief, Fitmums and Friends have created an incredible community and inspired hundreds across the region and nationally. In addition to the King's Award, Sam Barlow has also been recognised at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards and the England Athletics Regional Awards.

Speaking on this accolade, Sam said:

"I am absolutely thrilled that Fitmums and Friends has been recognised with this incredible award. It is such an honour and a wonderful way of paying tribute to the commitment of our hundreds of volunteers who help change people's lives by improving health and well-being through activity."

We have been proud to work with Sam and her team at Fitmums on many projects including lobbying the government about the importance of running and mental health through our All-Party Parliamentary Group for Running.

Redway Runners

Started back in 2011 in Milton Keynes, the club now has over 2,700 members, a huge achievement in just 13 years. The key mantra for Redway Runners is all about inclusivity. From visually impaired runners, to Couch to 5k, track nights and fun rambles, there really is something for everyone - and everyone is always welcome.

The club keep their membership to £5, which is not only exceptional value for money, but it ensures that there are no barriers to people getting involved and giving running a try. Community really is at the heart of the club as they give back to local charities and their local area. Each year members will vote on a charity to support and they will do raffles, organise events, food bank donations and more to support that charity throughout the year. Recent efforts have supported the Thames Valley Air Ambulance as one of their members required their assistance a couple of years ago.

We were delighted to recognise Redway Runners as our South East Club of the Year in 2023 and are proud to see them go on to be celebrated in the 2024 King's Award.

Commenting on this huge honour club chair, Martin Lawrence, remarked:

"The King’s Award for Voluntary Service acknowledges the volunteers' achievements and serves as an inspiration for future initiatives and a catalyst for further community engagement.  This is also a wonderful honour for Milton Keynes, which in 2020 was named the European City of Sport, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to developing sports policies, initiatives, infrastructure, and public involvement to support and encourage its residents' health and well-being."