In January 2015, much like the original group in Cottingham, Fleur started an informal running group in Conisbrough. It was made up of beginner runners and new mums returning to exercise after having babies. They began by pounding the streets of South Yorkshire, building fitness and friendship. Around this time, Fleur completed her LiRF course and met a lady from Fitmums & Friends. She returned buzzing with excitement about the charity and the stories she’d heard. Over the next few months, Fleur worked with Sam and Vickie, found a base, and enlisted the first volunteer leaders. In June, Dearne Valley Fitmums & Friends officially launched.

They began at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, with easy access to the Trans Pennine Trail and canal paths. The pink vests soon became a regular sight at local races and parkruns. In 2015, the club made its debut at the now-legendary Percy Pud 10K – an event still attended to this day. Fewer session selfies were taken back then, so that era is sadly short on photos!

Fleur also ran buggy boot camps, helping many new mums take their first steps into fitness. Some were gently persuaded to become runners – perhaps at a Christmas party or two (sorry Natalie!). The club later moved to Tom Hill Youth Centre in Denaby, where members tackled the many hills of Denaby and Conisbrough – always remembering, hills are friends! Grass track sessions were also introduced in the summer.

In 2017, the club moved again – this time to Mexborough Athletic Club, becoming the first running group to operate there in years. Strength & conditioning sessions were added, along with Christmas Jingle Bell runs and the famous “beige buffet”. This base gave the club many fun and laughter-filled evenings, and they’ve continued to enjoy canal trail runs in summer ever since.

In 2018, the club gained its first Coach and Fitmums’ first female CiRF. Since then, members have proudly represented Fitmums & Friends at regional and national cross-country championships, road relays, and even the Hour Challenge – where they may have finished last, but had the most fun!

In early 2020, Dearne Valley members, together with friends, family and others from the Fitmums community, completed a volunteer takeover at Cusworth Hall parkrun. Club members regularly volunteer at local and junior parkruns too. Then came the pandemic. Club sessions paused, but the community stayed strong with creative challenges like a mile time trial, the Covid rainbow run, a relay-style London Marathon, VE Day 75 and Yorkshire Day adventures. Thanks to HQ, members stayed active with Zoom fitness, yoga and pilates – and of course, the weekly Tuesday night quiz, fancy dress and all!

There were standout moments too – like Andy’s garden marathon and Hayley’s charity virtual race. Post-pandemic, club sessions resumed in bubbles, groups of six, and one-to-ones. The 2020 Jingle Bell run became a relay, but being back together was what mattered most. That Christmas, instead of the usual buffet, the club began a foodbank collection – now an annual tradition they are proud to support.

Soon after, the club moved to its current home at the Mexborough Hub. In 2023, an injury led to the creation of the club’s walking group – now thriving thanks to a brilliant team of walk leaders. Whether running or walking, everyone is welcome on a Tuesday night.

While individual achievements haven’t been the focus of this reflection, one must be celebrated: Emerald, the first Dearne Valley member to win the Fitmums London Marathon club place. She was the third member to run “The Marathon”, but the first to represent the whole charity. In their 10th year, it felt like destiny. From that first Humber Bridge 10k to marathons and everything in between, racing has become a big part of many members' lives. Not for podiums, but for personal goals and stories. Favourite events include the Worksop Half (despite floods), Beverley 10k (despite the heat), and Percy Pud (despite the cold). The club loves a “bring your bling” Tuesday to celebrate every finish line crossed.

Ask any member what they love most, and you’ll often hear: “It’s more than a running club.” They’ve shared births, weddings, birthdays, hugs, tears and support. Volunteers make this all happen – showing up in all weathers and giving their all. They are the heart of Dearne Valley Fitmums & Friends.

To everyone who’s ever run or walked with Dearne Valley – thank you for being part of something truly special. They may not be the biggest club in Fitmums & Friends, but as the saying goes, the best things come in small packages.

Happy 10th Birthday, Dearne Valley! Here's to many more.

To see over 65 photos of the history of the club, check out their Facebook page @DearneValleyFitmums - posted dated 17th June 2025.