A national community-based initiative which combines a cancer support group with parkrun is launching in Cardiff this November
A countrywide initiative, 5k Your Way, is launching in Cardiff on 30 November to encourage cancer patients and survivors to keep active and provide them with a support network.
People living with and beyond cancer as well as their families, friends and healthcare professionals are invited to attend Tremorfa parkrun on the last Saturday of every month.
5k Your Way ambassadors will be on hand to welcome participants, explain how it works and support them along the way. After the 5k, they will get the group together to unwind and socialise over coffee and cake.
The initiative was co-founded in 2018 by oncologist and 12-times Ironman champion, Lucy Gossage, and founder of MOVE charity, Gemma Hillier-Moses, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24.
Victoria Collins, exercise prescription physiotherapist at The Breast Centre, Llandough, is one of three 5k Your Way ambassadors for Cardiff. She said, “There is growing evidence to show that exercise has a number of benefits for people living with and beyond cancer, both physically and mentally.”
According to new exercise guidelines created by oncology experts in the US, cancer survivors should perform a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic and resistance training a week. The recommendations also suggest exercise prescriptions should be used to address common side effects of cancer.
“There is often a lot of nervousness around exercising with cancer. 5k Your Way is about encouraging people to get moving in a welcoming, supportive environment,” said Victoria. “It’s not a serious running group. There will be lots of us walking and there’s no pressure to do the whole 5k. People can just do whatever they’re comfortable with.”
The Cardiff group will meet at Tremorfa parkrun next to Tesco Extra, Rover Way, for a 9am start. To get involved, register with 5k Your Way and parkrun.
