'If I Can Do it Anyone Can'

Netty Stevens takes control of Parkrun

Known locally as ‘Blind Netty’ Netty Stevens is an inspiration to all and a lady that proves there are only hurdles not barriers. (pictured above centre with white and blue tabard) Picture: Netty and this weeks Parkrun volunteers

830am Saturday morning, a normal Parkrun Saturday for most, but not for Netty Stevens. Known locally as ‘Blind Netty’ it is Netty’s first turn to be Run Director at Parkrun Newark and its fair to say she is nervous but excited.

Netty lost her sight in November 2000, she is completely blind in her left eye, and has very limited sight in her right. On 1st August 2015 she had a change of heart and ran her very first Parkrun and hated it, fast forward 25 months and Netty stands in front of me with a beaming smile having completed a whopping 76 Parkruns, that equates to an astonishing 380km, oh and guess what, she hasn’t stopped there! After just 4 Parkruns she booked herself into the Robin Hood half in Nottingham and since then has triumphed through many 10k’s, half marathons and a massive milestone for her, the London Marathon earlier this year. 

“If I can do it anyone can do it”

Netty describes her her role as run director as being nervous and exciting, and having led a pre run briefing says watching the runners start is “Like letting all my babies go off, I just want them to come back safe”

So what is next for Netty? Currently recovering from a double stress fracture after the London Marathon she plans to start to get back into running and complete another Parkrun, and when asked what timescale she envisaged that to be in Netty excitedly replied ‘yesterday!’ You cannot fault Netty’s sprit!

Netty Stevens - Newark salutes you. You are truly amazing.

Parkrun is a free weekly timed 5km run and is open to anybody. Although timed it is not a race, but a chance to meet some brilliant people, new friends and keep fit. You do not have to be an athlete to complete this. Yo can be any age, any build and any speed. Visit Parkrun Uk for further details.

Parkrun Newark takes place at Sconce Hills park every Saturday morning from 9am. Car parking is free and refreshments are available at Rumbles cafe.

Netty with Jan Bailey, first runner back in Parkrun

Listen to the full interview below - It was a windy day!