Cancer programme supports parkwalk promotion

During October parkrun organisers are inviting Powys residents who don’t wish to run the 5k distance, to walk it instead.

The offer and message that you can “walk it” is being supported by the Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys programme – a Macmillan funded programme – which is supporting people during their cancer journey.

Each week someone involved in the programme will join parkwalk and be on hand to chat to people living with cancer either during or after the walk in the local Strand café.

Nina Davies, Director of Social Services and Housing was first to join the walk on Saturday 1st October along with Liz Towns from the Bracken Trust who runs the course each week but who will walk it through the month.  Also planning to join are Councillor Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for Caring Powys and PAVO’s local community connector Sharon Healey.

Councillor Sian Cox said:”I’ll be walking the Builth Wells parkrun route on 22nd October, with my dog, and anyone who’d like to walk with us.  My own lived experience showed me how walking, breathing fresh air and especially connecting with nature, increases wellbeing.  Doing it regularly leads to things that also make you feel better – fitness, healthiness, strength, connecting with other people – and also helps you avoid things that make you feel low – being unfit, boredom, loneliness.  I’m always up for a walk – anywhere, in any weather!

She added:”I’m looking forward to meeting other people who want to show their support for Improving the Cancer Journey, and in particular, anyone who wants to talk to me about living with cancer in our rural county. I hope that October being designated a “Walk It” month leads to more people trying walking, loving walking, and taking up more walking.  Every month can be ‘Walk It’ month – even in rainy Wales!”

Lee Jarvis, Builth Wells organiser said: “parkrun was never intended to be purely an invite to run the course. Lots of people enjoy and already walk the Groe route, but with our 18 year anniversary celebration we felt that October would be the perfect month to remind people that they are more than welcome to come along and walk the route.  Walking can help people manage their health conditions and in some cases prevent them as well as enhance our mood and boost our fitness levels.  We also have our infamous Stan in situ who walks the route, bringing up the rear every week and who chats to residents who prefer a more leisurely pace to their Saturday morning routine. Anyone who wishes to attend will need to register (one time only).  Registration is completely free and only needs to be done once, whether you intend to walk, jog, run, or volunteer or do a combination of all these things!”

Register at:  https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/

Find out more at  https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

Dr Ruth Corbally, Lead Cancer GP for Powys said:

“A parkwalk promotion for October links perfectly with our Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys programme ethos, which is all about helping people living with cancer to access support, information and advice about what matters to them closer to home. For some people living with cancer, whether they are waiting for test results, about to go in for treatment or are at the end of their treatment pathway, a walk in the fresh air on a Saturday morning could be very positive and help improve their well-being.”

Residents living with cancer can find out more about the support which is offered by the programme by visiting their website: https://www.powysrpb.org/icjpowys