A Support Group
With A Difference
People living with and beyond cancer across the Fylde and Blackpool are being encouraged to get active as part of a new initiative called 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer 5kyourway.org
The Lytham Hall 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group invites those living with and beyond cancer, their families, friends and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local group linked to a parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month and then socialise after over drink and cake in the local café. In short, it is an active coffee morning combining fresh air, movement and socialising.
Physical activity has been shown to have a number of important benefits for people living with cancer. It reduces cancer related fatigue, helps to preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and improves psychological wellbeing. It may also reduce treatment side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival. However, despite these benefits, a NHS report found that only 23 per cent of people living with cancer achieve the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week. The 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer initiative linked to parkrun, provides the opportunity to do this and is run by Neil Tate and Stella Wood.
The 5K Your Way, Move Against Cancer, is a national initiative which combines a cancer support group with parkrun. Founded by oncology consultant and 12 times ironman champion Lucy Gossage and Gemma Hillier-Moses international runner and founder of MOVE charity, who was diagnosed with cancer herself at the age of 24 in 2012, 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer is an initiative provided by MOVE Charity.
There are currently 5K Your Way groups at more than 40 locations across the UK and Republic of Ireland. New members are welcomed, whether walking, jogging, running or just coming for a coffee and a chat. Friendships are cementing and a supportive community is being built. The snowball has begun to roll as people see the value in creating a 5K Your Way Move Against Cancer group in their local community. A strong collaboration with parkrun and support from the wonderful community of parkrun volunteers is facilitating this growth.
Claire, one of the first visitors to the event, said: “This is such a good group to be involved with. Everyone is so friendly, and the ambassadors are just lovely. I love the way everyone encourages everyone, even though I walk round as I’m not up to running yet, I had so many lovely comments that really did boost my confidence. I think I may surprise myself and become a regular.”
Those interested in joining the group are encouraged to register with 5k Your Way and parkrun via the following link: https://5kyourway.org/register before meeting at 08:45 on the last Saturday of every month. For further information and to find a location near you visit: https://5kyourway.org/
