Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust's Cancer Prehabilitation Team, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity and the Ella Dawson Foundation have teamed up with Move Against Cancer to launch 5K Your Way physical activity support groups in Huddersfield and Halifax.
The benefits of keeping active are known to help people cope with cancer treatment. Movement through and beyond a cancer diagnosis can help to reduce treatment related fatigue, help preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, may reduce the side effect of chemotherapy, and help to prevent recurrence. Importantly, physical activity can help to improve psychological and emotional wellbeing and is a fun and great way to meet new people.
5K Your Way is a community-based initiative from the Move Charity to encourage those living with and beyond cancer, families, friends, and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a designated 5K Your Way parkrun event, this will happen on every last Saturday of each month.
Stephen, a 5KYW participant, said: "I am really passionate about spreading awareness about cancer, as well as helping others wherever I can, through my own experience and research.
"Attending the Huddersfield 5K Your Way event gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me feel like I'm a part of something along with hundreds of other people in and around Huddersfield and Halifax. It fills me with joy that I am completing something that millions of people around the world are doing.
"Everyone needs exercise, especially when you have cancer, particularly if you have prostate cancer. Due to the hormone therapy treatment, you need to keep your upper and lower body muscle, that's why I come. The monthly event keeps me moving and allows me to continue my treatment, as well as meet new individuals with cancer, plus family members, friends, and professionals. I really enjoy the walk!
"It is always such a great event, giving me a good opportunity to speak to professionals in a more informal setting, as well as speaking with individuals who are going through the same situation as me.
"It would be amazing to see some new faces at this month's event and beyond. There is no pressure to even complete the 5K if you're not up to it, it's just a good space to get your body moving as much as you can and to socialise!".
Huddersfield Group:
Where: Greenhead Park, Park Drive, Huddersfield, HD1 4HS
Meeting point: On the grass between the start point and café.
Halifax Group:
Where: Shroggs Park, Lee Mount Road, Halifax, HX3 5BX
Meeting point: To the left of the monument.
