Cancer support group launches to help patients become active

A new cancer support group that helps people get active before, during and after treatment has launched in Cornwall.

5K Your Way is starting at Trelissick Gardens, inviting people to either walk, jog, run or simply cheer on participants as they tackle the 5km course.

The goal is to boost comfort, create connections and bolster the well-being of those fighting cancer.

The support group comes under the umbrella of a national initiative which has more than 90 groups linked to Parkruns across the UK.

However, this will be the first launch in Cornwall.

The group's founder is Jenna Ferris, a volunteer, who candidly shared her journey post-treatment for bowel cancer.

She said: "My body just wasn’t the same as it had been before treatment, and I had no idea whether I would ever be able to run again.

"I knew exercise was good for me in so many ways, but my loss of fitness and strength was so demoralising."

Ms Ferris continued, revealing her struggle to regain her fitness after the treatment and her resolve to begin a local 5K Your Way support group.

She emphasised the group is meant for anyone touched by cancer, regardless of their past experiences or stage in their cancer journey.

"We want to encourage and support people in whatever their movement goals and hopes might be," she added.

Julia Perkins, an outreach support officer at The Cove MacMillan Centre and a volunteer at 5K Your Way, discusses the positive effect of exercise on cancer patients.

She explained: "I see how much walking lifts their mood and what a positive impact exercise has on cancer patients.

"It’s important for their mental health and mental wellbeing and generally gives people a lift to meet other people going through similar diagnoses and treatment.

"It makes them feel like they’re not alone".

Those interested in joining the group can do so on the last Saturday of every month from 8.30am at Trelissick Gardens.