People living with and beyond cancer are being encouraged to move more as part of an initiative called 5k Your Way.
The initiative, delivered by the Move Against Cancer charity, is coming to Croydon this weekend, as those living with and beyond cancer, their families, friends and those working in cancer services are going to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at the Lloyd Park Parkrun on Saturday morning, September 28, and then on the last Saturday of every month.
“The monthly gathering is a great way to get out, get active, and to socialise after over drink and cake in the local café,” the organisers say.
5k Your Way groups describe themselves as being an active coffee morning, combining fresh air, movement and socialising. Participants are encouraged to do as much or as little as they wish, at their own pace and in their own way.
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 well-being. It may also reduce treatment side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival.
Get active: Parkrun is collaborating with Move Against Cancer to support 5k Your Way at Lloyd Park
Despite these benefits, an NHS report found that only 23% of people living with cancer achieve the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week. The 5k Your Way provides a focal point and opportunity to do just this.
5k Your Way is a national initiative which combines a cancer support group with Parkrun. 5k Your Way was founded by oncology consultant and Ironman triathlete Lucy Gossage and Gemma Hillier-Moses, the founder of the Move charity who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24 in 2012.
There are nearly 100 5k Your Way groups across Britain and Ireland. New members are welcome whether walking, jogging, running or just coming for a coffee and a chat. People see the value in creating a 5k Your Way group in their local community. “A strong collaboration with Parkrun and support from the wonderful community of Parkrun volunteers is facilitating this growth,” according to the organisers.
Croydon’s volunteer organiser is Claire Mitchell.
Those interested in joining the group are encouraged to register with 5k Your Way and Parkrun before meeting outside the Lloyd Park café – close to the tram stop – at 08.45am on the last Saturday of every month.
- For further information visit their website: moveagainstcancer.org or the Lloyd Park 5k Your Way Facebook page.
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