How Fitmums and Friends started

Fitmums and Friends began in 2009 with a simple idea. When founder Sam Barlow's eldest child started school, she realised she was missing opportunities to meet other parents. As a working mum and lapsed runner, she decided to invite fellow parents to join her for a sociable run around Cottingham, East Yorkshire.

Sam wasn't sure if anyone would come. A homemade flyer was sent home in school bookbags and, on that first evening, four mums turned up. What started as a small social run soon became something much bigger.

Determined to make exercise welcoming and accessible for everyone, Sam created a supportive approach that enabled people of all abilities to be active together. The group quickly grew, attracting not just mums or even women but people of all ages and backgrounds. Before long, "Fitmums" became "Fitmums and Friends" – reflecting the inclusive spirit that remains at the heart of the charity today.

From those first five runners, Fitmums and Friends has grown into a thriving charity with 12 clubs across Yorkshire and more than 1,000 members. Alongside running, we now offer walking, Nordic walking, cycling, family friendly sessions, junior athletics, strength and fitness sessions and a range of wellbeing programmes that help people become more active, connected and confident.

Our success is built on an incredible network of volunteers whose dedication ensures everyone receives a warm welcome and the support they need to achieve their goals. In 2017, Fitmums and Friends became a registered charity, and in 2019 Olympian Jo Pavey joined us as patron.

In 2020, following the loss of her husband Mike after a long battle with cancer, Sam drew on her own experience of bereavement to develop specialist walking, yoga and outdoor activity programmes. These initiatives now support adults and children across Hull and East Yorkshire who are coping with the death of someone close to them, demonstrating the charity's commitment to supporting wellbeing in all its forms.

Sam's contribution to community health and wellbeing has been recognised nationally. She was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2015 and was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero in 2021, recognising her passion, enthusiasm and dedication to helping others through sport and physical activity. In 2024, Fitmums and Friends received The King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour awarded to community groups in the UK, recognising the extraordinary contribution of the charity's volunteers.

Today, Sam continues to lead the development of Fitmums and Friends, supporting existing activities and introducing new programmes that help more people enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise. She remains actively involved in coaching, particularly enjoying adult running sessions and working with young athletes. What began as a search for friendship has grown into a supportive community that helps thousands of people move more, connect with others and improve their wellbeing.