A support group with a difference is starting up at the Dorchester Great Field Parkrun.

People living with and beyond cancer in the area are being encouraged to move more as part of an initiative called 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer.

They are being urged to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at the parkrun in Poundbury on the last Saturday of every month and then socialise after over drink and cake in the local café.

This initiative is delivered by MOVE charity and is an active coffee morning combining fresh air, movement, and socialising. The group will meet at the Pavilion in the Park Café at The Great Field in Poundbury.

Physical activity has been shown to have a number of important benefits for people living with cancer. It reduces cancer related fatigue, helps to preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and improves psychological well-being. It may also reduce treatment side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, and prolong survival.

Despite these benefits, a NHS report found that only 23 per cent 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. The introduction of the Big Park Walk campaign also means that people can come along and walk the route, or even cheer the runners and walkers along.

The Dorchester 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group is run by volunteer ambassadors Lisa Worthington and Bridget Welsby.

Bridget said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and found the healing power of exercise incredibly helpful in my recovery. It was also important for me to talk to people going through the same treatment to know that I wasn’t alone dealing with this life changing illness. I am really looking forward to helping people touched by cancer to come together to run, walk, cheer or volunteer at the 5K Your Way Dorchester.

“We were thrilled to learn of 5K Your Way, Move Against Cancer. It’s a national initiative which combines a cancer support group with parkrun."

5k Your Way was founded by oncology consultant and 12 times ironman champion Lucy Gossage and Gemma Hillier-Moses, international runner and founder of MOVE charity, who was diagnosed with cancer herself at the age of 24 in 2012.

There are currently 5K Your Way groups at locations across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland. New members are welcomed whether walking, jogging, running or just coming for a coffee and a chat. Friendships are cementing, and a supportive community is being built.

For more information and to make contact with the group, go to the website www.5kyourway.org or email thegreatfieldgroup@5kyourway.org