Erddig 5K Your Way launched in October 2022. Those living with and beyond cancer, their families, friends and those working in cancer services can walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at Erddig Parkrun. It is on the last Saturday of every month. You can then socialise over drink and cake in the café afterwards.
Anyone Can Attend
It is part of the 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer initiative (www.5kyourway.org).
Ambassador Helen Murray of Marford says everyone is welcome to their monthly meet-ups at Erddig.
“I think people see the words Parkrun and 5K in the title and then assume you have to run 5K. That couldn’t be further from the truth; there’s a real misconception about it.”
“We encourage anyone to come and walk a bit of the Parkrun course if they are feeling up to it. Whether someone just comes for a coffee or runs 5K before heading to the café, they are equally as welcome,” Murray says.
People Of All Ages
The Erddig 5K Your Way group attracts people of all ages, from teenagers to 80-year-olds, with many of those as much or as little as they like.
“The one thing that everyone has in common is that in one way or another, they have been affected by cancer. But we really don’t just talk about cancer!” Murray added.
Physical activity has a number of important benefits for people living with cancer. It reduces cancer-related fatigue, helps to maintain fitness and improves psychological well-being. It may also reduce treatment side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival.
However, despite these benefits, an NHS report found that only 23% of people living with cancer achieve the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times per week. The 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer initiative linked to Parkrun provides the opportunity to do this.
“Unique”
The Erddig 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group is run by a team of ambassadors. Including healthcare professionals in North Wales and local people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
“5K Your Way is unique and there’s nothing else like this in and around Wrexham. It’s incredible to be part of a life-changing and very powerful initiative to support patients, families and healthcare professionals in the area,” Mrs Murray said.
Liz Thorpe of Wrexham got involved as an ambassador after going through treatment for breast cancer. “I was 49 and decided to re-start the Couch to 5K programme in a bid to get ‘fit for 50.’
A few weeks later after attending my first mammogram appointment, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I had four weeks off running after the surgery but continued to run as much or as little as I could during the treatment. “The radiotherapy team in Glan Clwyd were really encouraging me to keep going and I’m so glad I did. I think it helped me mentally and physically.
“I love being involved in 5K Your Way to encourage patients and families to remain active and enjoy being outdoors,” she said.
Those interested in joining the group register with 5k Your Way and Parkrun via the following link: 5kyourway.org/register before meeting at 8:45 am near the Main House in Erddig on the last Saturday of the month.
For further information, visit the Erddig 5K Your Way Facebook Page. To find a location near you, visit 5kyourway.org. To keep up to date with the community, click here.
