When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 following screening I was fast approaching my 50th birthday, and I was a few weeks into the Couch to 5k app - my 'get fit for 50' campaign took a nose dive when I realised I was going to have to have treatment so I read about what I could do to help myself - mainly around exercise. There is an increasing amount of evidence to show that moving more before, during and after cancer treatment can significantly improve symptoms like fatigue and physical and mental wellbeing.  I kept walking and running as soon as I could after surgery and through my radiotherapy treatment, and the radiotherapy staff loved it.  For me, it meant that when I turned up every day there was something else to talk about apart from the effects of the radiotherapy.  I found that exercise helped a lot with my recovery then, but it is really important to continue now because it could reduce my risk of reoccurrence by as much as 50%.  

I became aware of a charity called MOVE that was encouraging people to take part in the Erddig park run at the end of last year - called “5kyourway” - and I am now an ambassador.  We are fast approaching the first anniversary of our group and I have decided to give their fundraiser a go! It’s Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge - 24 miles in 12 hours maximum on September 16th.  The total ascent is 1585m and higher than Ben Nevis.  

MOVE is embarking on a mission to support & inspire people to Move Against Cancer. Move is a charity that delivers an 8 week online programme for 13-30 year olds diagnosed with cancer. I know people who have benefited from the programme and the feedback is fantastic.  

I am an ambassador for the 5k Your Way initiative linked with Erddig parkrun.  It is a supportive community for anyone affected by cancer to go along to their local group & walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer on the last Saturday of the month.  Everyone is encouraged to participate whether it is a run, a walk, or a chat at the meeting place.  

Thanks for reading x