Veteran running 'Run Talk Run' fitness sessions in Leigh

Spending his career in the Armed Forces, Stan Boardman found that getting out on a run always helped to clear his head and improve his mental health.

However, after decades of regimented routines, he didn't keep up with his fitness once he left the Army and found that his mental health suffered as a result.

Following some counselling sessions and looking at himself in a "different light", the 53-year-old decided to make fitness an integral part of his life and promote it as a way to help others who are struggling.

The Run Talk Run sessions bring people together in Leigh (Image: Run Talk Run)

After he was made aware of 'Run Talk Run' sessions, a programme set up by a girl struggling with depression in London, Stan thought it would be the perfect idea to bring to Leigh.

Aiming to get people together who are struggling with loneliness or their physical or mental health, the sessions are designed to get people active in a safe environment where they feel comfortable talking about their problems.

Stan said: "After leaving the Forces, I never really kept up with my fitness but I realised running made me feel so much better about myself.

"So when I saw this programme, I thought that a lot of people in Leigh would benefit from something like this.

"I know running has helped me so I wanted to give something back and help others who are struggling."

The weekly sessions have been growing at Leigh Sports Village (Image: Run Talk Run)

While Stan and the group are not specialists in mental health or counselling, he said it is a positive way to meet others who enjoy running and want to help people in the community.

The sessions, which have been growing in numbers every week, take place at Leigh Sports Village every Thursday evening.

'Run Talk Run' is a nationwide programme which has been brought to Leigh by Stan (Image: Run Talk Run)

Stan, who is also working with Wigan Council with 'Couch to 5k' programme, added: "Everyone has really enjoyed coming to the sessions so far.

"People can just come for the run or come for a talk, so there is no pressure and it is for all abilities of running.

"I just work my way around the group and see if anybody wants to open up or chat about anything."

To find out more about Run Talk Run, you can visit their website here.