Thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Breaking Barriers Fund, sessions in Maesteg are now helping local people affected by cancer access gentle, supportive, and empowering exercise through their local parkrun. The group is aimed at those undergoing treatment, survivors, family members, and even local healthcare professionals. The importance of staying active after a cancer diagnosis is well established. Regular, gentle exercise has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve physical strength and mobility, and boost overall wellbeing. MOVE Against Cancer’s 5K Your Way programme brings this to life in a friendly, welcoming way that breaks down barriers to participation – especially vital in areas like Maesteg, which faces some of the highest cancer inequalities in Wales. Michelle, one of the Maesteg group’s volunteer ambassadors, shares her story: “I’ve been an active participant at parkrun for more than 10 years. I have complex health conditions, and last year I was also diagnosed with cancer. Attending parkrun has always been an important part of my self-management, so I was delighted to be asked to volunteer as an ambassador for 5K Your Way. I find volunteering extremely rewarding – walking and talking with many participants, including those affected by cancer. Parkrun is far more than a 5K run or walk – it’s social contact, being part of a community, being outdoors in the fresh air. Cancer and chronic health conditions can be very isolating. Isolation can quickly lead to a loss in confidence and increased anxiety. 5K Your Way supports people to take that first step back into community life, and I look forward to each session – it gives me real satisfaction to know that my presence might be helping others.” What’s next? The Maesteg group runs on the last Saturday of each month at the Maesteg Welfare Park parkrun, and is open to anyone affected by cancer. Whether you want to run, walk, or simply come along for a cuppa and chat – you’ll be warmly welcomed. Follow the group's Facebook page here to keep up to date.

Our Partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support At CRT, we are proud to be funded by Macmillan Cancer Support , an organisation dedicated to ensuring that everyone affected by cancer receives the help they need. As our programme continues to grow, we are reaching more individuals and families across our communities, many of whom face significant barriers when trying to access essential cancer support services. Our mission is to bridge this gap, whether it's practical assistance, financial guidance, or emotional support, we want to ensure that people in these communities know we are here to help. By working together, we can connect individuals with the vital services often already available to them, making it easier for people with cancer and their loved ones to cope without unnecessary stress or isolation. Why Macmillan has funded this project Macmillan Cancer Support chose to partner with our programme because they recognise the severe health inequalities that exist in South Wales, particularly in former mining communities. The statistics speak for themselves: Cancer incidence rates are significantly higher in these regions. Life expectancy is lower compared to the national average. Many individuals in these areas face multiple barriers when trying to access healthcare, support, and financial aid. Macmillan shares our commitment to reducing these disparities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the cancer care they deserve. Through this partnership, we are actively working to break down obstacles, provide direct support, and create a stronger, more informed community that knows where to turn for help.  Macmillan highlights our partnership Recently, Jenny Savage, Digital Content Editor at Macmillan , wrote an article about our partnership, highlighting why this collaboration is so important in the effort to ensure that "Nobody Should Face Cancer Alone" across Wales and the wider UK. Her piece sheds light on th e unique challenges faced by individuals in our communities and how our joint efforts are h elping to provide much-needed support. 🔗 Read the full article here We are incredibly grateful for Macmillan’s continued support and look forward to expanding our impact even further in the months ahead. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we are here for you. Together, we will make a difference. 💚