More than 70 team members from Tower Family Healthcare joined family, friends and the local community at the Burrs Community Run on Sunday 12 July 2026, demonstrating their commitment to promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.
As an Active Practice, Tower Family Healthcare’s doctors, pharmacists, nurses and non-clinical colleagues took part in the weekly community event organised by The Sunnywood Project, running, jogging or walking either the 2km or 5km route.
Members of the Tower Family Healthcare team at Burrs Community Run on Sunday 12 July 2026
Tower Family Healthcare, which operates across four sites in Bury, is signed up to the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Active Practice Charter, encouraging staff and patients to move more as part of everyday life.
Regular physical activity is proven to reduce the risk of major illnesses, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Dr. Ajay Kotegaonkar, known to patients as Dr. Ajay, said:
“Many of us spend much of the day sitting at a desk, so finding opportunities to move more is really important. We are passionate about practising what we preach, and if we are encouraging our patients to be more active, it’s important that we do the same.
“It’s not just about physical health either. Spending time outdoors, chatting with people and enjoying beautiful surroundings can have a huge positive impact on our mental wellbeing.”
Although the event wasn’t competitive, there was plenty of friendly rivalry among colleagues. The first team member to complete the 5km route was Dr. Ash Boodhun, finishing in an impressive 23 minutes and 25 seconds.
Water and fresh fruit were waiting at the finish line for participants, while Tower Family Healthcare covered the suggested £1 donation per family for everyone taking part. The donation will support The Sunnywood Project’s ongoing work to improve community wellbeing through accessible activities for local people.
Lou Shield, Youth & Community Engagement Manager at The Sunnywood Project said:
“What a fantastic morning it was at Burrs Country Park, welcoming Tower Family Healthcare back for another Community Run takeover. Whether people chose to run, jog, walk or simply take it at their own pace, it was wonderful to see so many staff, families and local residents coming together to enjoy being active outdoors.
“The Burrs Community Run has been bringing people together every week for more than ten years, creating an inclusive, free event where everyone is welcome, whatever their age or ability. Our incredible volunteers loved supporting the Tower team, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming an even bigger turnout at their next takeover in August.
“It’s fantastic to see Tower Family Healthcare demonstrating such a strong commitment to improving both physical and mental wellbeing. By getting involved in community events like this, they’re helping to inspire healthier lifestyles and showing just how important it is to make being active accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
Lee Buggie, Bury Council’s Public Health Specialist added:
“It was fantastic to see so many staff from Tower Family Healthcare taking part in the Burrs Community Run and demonstrating what prevention looks like in practice. Through their commitment to the Active Practice accreditation, Tower is helping to create a culture where moving more becomes part of everyday life for both staff and patients. Healthcare professionals are uniquely placed to encourage healthy behaviours, and initiatives like this show how primary care can lead by example.
“The benefits go far beyond physical health. Community activities such as the Burrs Community Run help people build social connections, improve mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness and strengthen a sense of belonging. These are all important factors in helping people live healthier and happier lives.”
- Find out more about The Sunnywood Project
- Learn more about the Active Practice Charter
- Read about the benefits of exercise on the NHS website
