A new monthly run in Macclesfield will support cancer patients and their loved ones.

South Park already hosts Macclesfield Parkrun every week, but they have now added another event to their calendar.

5k Your Way will launch this Saturday April 30 at 9am, and aims to 'move against cancer'.

"5k Your Way is a support group with a difference," said Tim Marsh, Event Support Ambassador.

"It is a community-based initiative to encourage those living with and beyond cancer, families, friends, and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local 5k Your Way parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month.

"The core team at Macclesfield parkrun were aware of the 5k Your Way initiative and wanted to start a group when the new Christie Centre opened in Macclesfield.

5k is approximately 3.1 miles.

Macclesfield Parkrun - which turned four last Saturday - will hold the cancer support group event on the last Saturday of every month.

"We have an amazing team of seven Ambassadors, two of whom are currently living with cancer and three of whom are working in cancer services," added Tim.

"Anyone is welcome, and encouraged to come along and take part in whatever way suits them. parkrun is inclusive and anyone can walk, jog or run as little or as much as they want, at whatever pace they are able to. 5k Your Way is exactly the same!

"Our goal is to create an active, supportive community group that comes together once a month to share in a fun, social exercise based activity.

"Exercise is proven to have enormous benefits for people living with and beyond cancer, it can help with reducing cancer fatigue, it helps to preserve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, it may reduce chemotherapy side effects, it improves psychological wellbeing and it may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival.

You don't have to run to take part. And you don't have to complete the full distance.

"After every parkrun, and as an integral part of the 5k Your Way Group, the post-parkrun social gathering is an important part of the event, we go to The Park(run) Tavern on Park Lane afterwards for coffee and cake, or even breakfast."

The regular Macclesfield Parkrun events every Saturday will continue, alongside the 12 5k Your Way's per year.

Ahead of the launch, partnerships have been launched with Macclesfield Town Council, The Macclesfield Cancer Centre in Prestbury, Everybody Leisure's Health Team at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, Stealth Gymnasium at Macclesfield FC and [of course] The Christie at Macclesfield.

Macclesfield Town Councillor Cllr Fiona Wilson, who represents the South Ward and is Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield will also attend. The Labour councillor is also one of Macclesfield Parkrun's Run Directors.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley will also be attending the launch event. It is recommended to arrive well before 9am to get prepared.

To take part in this free event, all you have to do is register here.

5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer is a non-medical initiative founded by an oncologist, you can learn more about the national organisation here.

You can find more about Macclesfield Parkrun here and here.

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