Our thanks to the volunteers at the Run Wales registered group, Trelai, Cardiff 5k Your Way, for sharing some insight into the great support available through 5k Your Way groups at parkrun events across the UK every month.
5k Your Way is a community-based initiative which encourages and supports anyone affected by cancer to exercise. The groups meet on the last Saturday of every month at a local 5k Your Way parkrun, where participants are encouraged to join in the parkrun in whatever way they feel able, whether it be walk, run, cheer or volunteer, and afterwards the group meets for coffee and a chat at a local cafe. The group is suitable for any fitness level and participants are encouraged to do as much or as little as they want, supported by 5k Your Way ambassadors.
The initiative was founded by oncologist and triathlete, Lucy Gossage in Nottingham, together with international runner and founder of the Move Against Cancer charity, Gemma Hillier-Moses, who was diagnosed with cancer herself at the age of 24. Lucy and Gemma are passionate about supporting people living with and beyond cancer through the power of movement, as well as supporting the wider cancer community, including family, friends and those working in cancer services. 5k Your Way was launched in 2018 and there are now over 80 groups across the UK.
Trelai, Cardiff 5k Your Way group was launched at Trelai Park parkrun in January 2023. Trelai Park parkun was initiated by local GP Rachel Lee in 2020, to encourage people to exercise within their local community.
The parkrun is supported by the South West GP cluster in Cardiff, where staff signpost and encourage patients to participate in parkrun.
Practice Nurse Lucy Gordon works at Meddygfa Canna Surgery within the South West cluster and is a keen runner and core volunteer at Trelai Park parkrun; she is passionate about the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health. Lucy heard about the 5k Your Way initiative whilst visiting Ashton Court parkrun in Bristol, where she got chatting to some members of their group.
Inspired by the conversation, Lucy knew this was the perfect project to take back to Trelai Park parkrun and a wonderful way of further helping people within their local community. The parkrun team were very encouraging and in January the group was successfully launched. Lucy has become an ambassador, alongside GP Rachel Lee, Sarah Grady, an oncology nurse and Jenny Webb, a core parkrun volunteer.
The 5k Your Way group meets on the last Saturday of every month and you will find the ambassadors waiting to greet people, in their blue hoodies at the meeting point flag at the start of the parkrun.
The ambassadors take part in the parkrun, supporting and chatting to participants.
There are always some great conversations as they make their way around the course and afterwards these are continued as they meet together for refreshments at Mr Coffi in Fairwater.
It is a lovely, friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The group has so far been attended by people undergoing cancer treatment, those living beyond cancer, people bereaved by cancer and those working in cancer services; plus their family and friends. However cancer has affected you and whatever your reasons for being there, everyone is welcome.
Following my diagnosis and treatment I was nervous to restart parkrun. 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer has given me the confidence to come along at my own pace and meet new people. The support given is fantastic and all levels of fitness are welcome. Getting around the course whether walking or running gives me a great sense of achievement and a fantastic start to the weekend.
Regular participant, Alison
For anyone thinking about coming along, you will be warmly welcomed. You can contact the ambassadors by email on trelaicardiffgroup@5kyourway.org or by Facebook messenger. The group’s details are also registered with Run Wales. Alternatively, just come along to Trelai Park parkrun on the last Saturday of the month and meet the team.
There are other 5k Your Way groups at parkrun events across Wales, so visit the website to see if there is a group local to you.