Meet the team: Culture Collections team complete the Great South Run 

Three members of the UKHSA Culture Collections team, Meena Mangabhai (Customer Service), Emma Hobbs (Biosecurity/Safety) and Judith Parker (Business Development), took on the Great South Run on Sunday 19 October. Braving heavy rain (which led to their running numbers disintegrating so that they had to hold onto their timing chips in order for their runs to qualify), the trio showed real determination and team spirit as they crossed the finish line, with one team member raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

The Culture Collections runners embody UKHSA’s values in action, showing impact through fundraising, community spirit and their commitment and perseverance, inclusivity by supporting one another’s wellbeing, and actively demonstrated collaboration by working together toward a shared goal. 

“Having a common interest in running with Culture Collections work colleagues and discussing our training and progress has strengthened team bonds and friendships.” said Emma “We started out as individual work colleagues applying to do the Great South run but once we all realised that we were taking part, it was lovely to join together and feel like part of a team to take on this challenge!” 

All three are already planning to run again in 2026, and they hope their story will inspire others to lace up their trainers and join them. 

                                      Image Left to Right: Meena Mangabhai, Emma Hobbs and Judith Parker