New 5k cancer exercise group set up in Newtown

A new exercise group has been set up in Newtown for residents impacted by cancer with funding from a local cancer charity.

It will meet on the last Saturday of each month and is part of the Newtown Parkrun.

5K Your Way (5KYW) is a national ‘support group with a difference’ from MOVE Against Cancer which encourages people to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at their local group and connect with other people impacted by cancer.

Each local group needs to raise £1k to set up, and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund which works across Mid Wales, Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales to enhance and improve the situation for local cancer patients, has supported the Newtown initiative by grant-funding the full amount.

Anyone impacted by cancer can join a 5K Your Way group and groups meet on the last Saturday of every month at over 100 designated Parkrun events across the UK and Ireland – including Shrewsbury and Telford.

Those living with and beyond cancer, their families, and friends and those working in cancer services are welcome to join in. Participants are invited to walk, jog, or run and can try a 1k, 2k or 5k ‘their way’ – whether that’s walking, running, as a supporter or volunteer.

In Newtown, participants are also invited for a coffee afterwards and to build a sense of community and friendship. 

The Newtown 5KYW meets at 8.45am for a 9am start on the last Saturday of every month at Hafan Afan Community Hub, Dolerw Park Bridge, Newtown.

Chris Davies, National Coordinator for Wales for Parkrun, and Regional Ambassador for Wales for MOVE Against Cancer, said: “We are delighted to start this new 5K Your Way group at Newtown Parkrun and are incredibly grateful for the funding from Lingen Davies Cancer Fund to enable this launch. 

“5K Your Way is supported by the national charity MOVE Against Cancer and is hosted by Parkrun. It provides the opportunity for those living with cancer to meet up, to walk, jog, run and volunteer at their local Parkrun, accompanied by those who have had their own cancer experiences. 

“This has been shown to be beneficial for pre-habilitation, rehabilitation, and palliative care. Friends and family are welcome to participate too.”
Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund said she was delighted the charity had been able to support this local initiative.

“One of our primary aims to is make life easier for those who are going through cancer, watching their loved ones go through it or working in cancer services.

“We know that holistic and wellbeing groups and services have exponential benefits to the health and wellbeing of those impacted by cancer and we are pleased and proud to be able to support the establishment of the brilliant 5KYW in Newtown, one of the areas we serve,” she said.

To get involved, people need to register on the website at moveagainstcancer.org/5k-your-way with their local 5KYW using the ‘Register for 5KYW’ link and turn up on the day or contact newtowngroup@5kyourway.org

The next group will take place on December 27.

For more information about the work of Lingen Davies visit the website www.lingendavies.co.uk