22 June 2026
A family of NHS colleagues is preparing to take on the Wace Morgan Shrewsbury 5k to raise money for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity.
Kai Farmer, his wife Sam and daughter Amy who all work at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) will line up at the start of the race on Sunday 5 July after completing the NHS Couch to 5K programme together.
For Amy, the event will be particularly memorable as it marks her first organised 5k race.
The family signed up to the programme earlier this year as a way of improving their fitness and wellbeing. What started as a personal challenge soon became something they could work towards together – culminating in their decision to enter the Shrewsbury 5k and raise money for the Trust’s charity.
Kai said: “Six months ago, I could barely run a bath without getting out of breath, never mind a 5k.
“There have been sore legs, plenty of laughter and a few choice words aimed at each other.
“But we’ve had a brilliant time doing it together and we’re all feeling the benefits. We’re proud to work for SaTH and raising money for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity felt like the perfect way to mark the occasion.”
The Couch to 5K programme gradually builds participants up to running for 30 minutes without stopping. While none of the family considered themselves runners when they started, all three say they have noticed the difference and now feel fitter, healthier and more confident.
Between them, the family have more than 30 years’ experience working in the NHS.
Sam said: “Training together has been great fun and it’s given us something to work towards as a family. There have definitely been days when none of us fancied going out for a run, particularly during the winter months, but we’ve encouraged each other and kept going.
“When we started, running for 30 minutes felt impossible. Looking back now, I don’t think any of us imagined we’d be preparing for a 5k.”
Amy said: “I never imagined I’d be taking part in a 5k, so I’m really proud to have got this far. It’s my first organised event, so I’m definitely a bit nervous, but doing it with mum and dad and raising money for the charity makes it really special.”
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity is the official charity of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. It supports projects and initiatives that go above and beyond NHS funding, helping to enhance the experience of patients, families and colleagues across the Trust.
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation at SaTH, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Kai, Sam and Amy for taking on this challenge in support of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity.
“Every donation helps us fund projects and initiatives that enhance the care and experience of patients, families and colleagues across our hospitals.
“We wish them the very best of luck for race day and thank everyone who chooses to support their fundraising.”
Anyone wishing to support Kai, Sam and Amy can donate via their fundraising page.