From loneliness to finding belonging: How parkrun changed a Newport Woman's life 

To mark Loneliness Awareness Week, Newport resident Carley, age 30, has shared her personal story of living with sight loss, the impact of isolation, and how joining her local parkrun helped her reconnect with her community. 

Carley began losing her sight in 2018 and was diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy. By 2021, she was registered as severely sight impaired. Much of this journey took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, which added another layer of isolation and uncertainty. 

“Lockdown was a really difficult time. I entered it without needing a white cane, and came out unable to walk short distances without one,” she explained. “I also struggled emotionally- not just because of Covid, but because I didn’t know how to talk about my sight loss with people who knew me before. I felt anxious about going out again.” 

After years of self-isolation, Carley found confidence through the support of local initiatives and people, including Sonya, Programme Lead for Dementia Services from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) and Katherine Hawkins, Age Friendly Lead at Newport City Council. Alongside attending in her role as Partnership Officer for Health and Wellbeing at Newport City Council and Sonya and Kath’s encouragement, Carley took part in Newport’s parkrun along the accessible Riverside route and was at the launch of the Inclusive parkrun in April.  

“I was very nervous beforehand the moment we started, I felt supported. The course is flat and easy to navigate, there are benches along the way, and the stewards and other participants were so encouraging. I didn’t feel judged or out of place. I actually enjoyed it!” 

For Carley, this small but meaningful step was a turning point. 

“I never thought I’d be able to do something like that on my own. But now, I would feel confident going again- even by myself. I felt proud, not just for finishing, but for showing up. For the first time in a long time, I felt like just another person in the group. The only difference was that I had my white cane.” 

Carley hopes her story inspires others- particularly those living with disability or loneliness- to take that first step and know that support is out there. 

Whether you want to run, jog or walk- parkrun is free and for everyone. Find your nearest parkrun: home | parkrun UK