Salvation Army mascot Shieldy laces up trainers for Parkrun debut
published on 1 Sep 2026
The Salvation Army’s mascot Shieldy put his heart and ‘sole’ into running Keighley’s Cliffe Castle parkrun on Saturday.
Behind the mask was Keighley Salvation Army leader Major Imogen Stewart and her friend Ria, who were promoting what will be the church and charity’s appearance at Keighley Show, which is taking place on Saturday 5 September.
The Big Red Shield is regularly seen across The Salvation Army’s social media channels promoting the work of organisation and taking part in events.
Major Imogen is a regular attendee of Parkrun, a free 5k event held each Saturday morning at parks and outdoor spaces across the world.
Major Imogen said: “Parkrun is a fantastic event representing the best of community. I always run with The Salvation Army logo on my shirt and am heartened by the good cheers and encouragement from people shouting ‘go Imogen, go Salvation Army!’.
“I’ve also run it as a banana and in my full Salvation Army uniform as a minister for a couple who were running it on their wedding day in fancy dress.
“The event offers a great opportunity for me to speak to people about what Keighley Salvation Army does and encourage people to come and visit us, and share in our ministry.
“It’s quite an event having Shieldy represented at what is his first parkrun. Next we’ll be taking him to Keighley Show where The Salvation Army has a stall, and our volunteer Matthew, who has transformed our backyard into a garden growing an abundance of veggies will be entering some of those in the show. We’d love it if you came and said hello.”
Keighley and District Agricultural Show takes place on Saturday 5 September from 8.30am at King George V Playing Fields, Marley, Keighley, BD21 4DB.
Keighley Salvation Army in High Street runs a number of activities for the community throughout the week and hosts Worship on a Sunday. Find out more information or donate here
