When two of my family members, my husband and then my step-daughter went through cancer treatment, I saw firsthand how the journey impacted not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. What stood out to me was how transformative exercise was in their recovery. Running was out for my step-daughter, walking was gentle, easy to do every single day, even on the bad days when they said it would be just 5 minutues and accomplished 20!

It wasn’t just about healing and getting stronger– it was also about reclaiming some control.

Inspired by their experience, and driven by my work as a clinical movement practitioner and oncology massage therapist, I decided I wanted to set up a 5K Your Way: Move Against Cancer Group locally in Clacton. This initiative combines my professional knowledge with a heartfelt desire to help others navigate cancer with the powerful benefits of movement and community. 

Why Movement Matters in Cancer Recovery

Research has shown that exercise can play an important role in managing the side effects of cancer treatment, things like cancer fatigue and anxiety. Gentle physical activity like walking improves, circulation, can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system. 

It is so much more than exercise, a walk in nature is known to help calm the mind as the focus is no the different smells and colours that walking outdoors beings.

What is 5K Your Way?

5K Your Way: Move Against Cancer is a community walking, jogging, running, wheeling, and cheering initiative. We are there for everyone touched by cancer. It’s held alongside park runs and we provide a welcoming, environment for cancer patients, survivors, supports and health professionals to move together.

Your distance and speed do not matter– it’s about participating, connecting and supporting. Remember every single step you take counts. It is a step towards reclaiming  strength and well-being.

Building a Support Network Through Movement.

You can walk and talk. You can volunteer or cheer. You can just come along for a coffee and chat. We meet after our walk at the Toby in Clacton at 10am. We are a community of support, a place to connect with others who understand.

Each walk is a shared experience, celebrate the ups, talk about the challenges, or just enjoy the fresh air. 

For me personally

I walked with the local Harwich group while my family were undergoing treatment. It was hugely beneficial for my own well-being.

Being able to set up a 5K Your Way group in Clacton has been so rewarding. We have a fantastic group of ambassadors who are a mix of cancer survivors and health professionals. This has given me the chance to combine helping others, giving something back to my local community with my professional expertise. As a movement practitioner and therapist, I’ve seen how the right combination of exercise and support can reduce treatment side effects, and improve overall quality of life. 

Would you like to join us?

We meet once a month on Clacton Seafront at the Greensward Cafe and Adventure Golf sign. Look for our bright blue flag and shirts. You can follow us on Facebook.

Please get in touch if you would like to know more or want to join a walk.

07767 384983 or email fi@therapyinmotion.co