National initiative, 5KYourWay, is coming to Hull this weekend, with an aim to help those living with and beyond cancer to get active at a local parkrun. But, this is parkrun with a difference.
People living with cancer or cancer survivors, along with friends, families and carers are invited to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at East Park’s parkrun this Saturday.
Physical activity has been shown to have a number of important benefits for people living with cancer, and it’s been proven that keeping active can often actually prolong survival.
Sarah Guest, clinical nurse specialist with the Macmillan Living With and Beyond Cancer team based at the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill Hospital, said: “Exercise is a fantastic way to enhance your wellbeing and parkrun is a wonderful occasion bringing the whole community together.
“The 5kyourway initiative is an ideal opportunity for anyone affected by cancer, regardless of ability, to enjoy exercise, make new friends and join the hundreds of thousands of people enjoying the parkrun experience all over the country.
“Getting active as you live with or beyond cancer is a great way to improve your wellbeing and whether you walk or run the distance or decide to volunteer, we hope to see as many people as possible at East Park this weekend.”
Exercise can help reduce treatment side effect, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival.
Founded by oncology consultant and 12 times ironman champion, Lucy Gossage and Gemma Hillier-Moses, 5KYourWay, Move Against Cancer currently has groups in 40 locations across the UK.
The initiative is run by volunteer ambassadors, including Hull nurse practitioner, Amy York. Amy said: “This is such an exciting initiative to be involved in and I’m sure we will meet some inspiring people along the way. Please come along, the volunteers are there to support you, so whether you want to run 5K, walk 200ft or just sit in the café and have a chat, you are welcome to come along.
“The volunteers will be wearing bright blue 5KYourWay hoodies so you can’t miss us. The meeting point is under the large green lamppost with the clock, opposite the pavilion. Please meet us there at 8:45am.”
The initiative will continue every month. More information can be found on the Hull group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hull5kyourway/
