Members of a group that meets up at the Shrewsbury parkrun say it is helping them to cope with the effects of cancer.
The 5kYourWay group, a community initiative linked to parkrun for anyone affected by cancer, meets on the last Saturday of each month at the event in the Quarry.Patients, friends, family and healthcare professionals can go along to the group meet-ups to walk, run, jog, cheer or volunteer in a social and supportive environment.
"The group has six ambassadors, three of these have been through a cancer diagnosis and treatment themselves. The ambassadors are there to support people who come along, either walking or running with them and then going for coffee afterwards to continue the friendship and conversation. There is no pressure to do all the 5k, do what you can and join us for coffee afterwards."
"I really needed a reason to get up and leave the house. Being a tail walker at parkrun is a good start."The warmth of the welcome, the kindness and encouragement made me want to come back.Parkrun has become 'parkwalk' for the month of October to encourage more walkers to get involved. The benefits of exercise for people affected by cancer include reducing cancer fatigue, preserving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness.