A SUPPORT group for people touched by cancer is celebrating its fourth anniversary with a special meet-up in Basingstoke.

The Basingstoke 5k Your Way Move Against Cancer group will mark the special occasion on Saturday, October 28, at War Memorial Park, complete with birthday cake and a passionate community.

5k Your Way is not your average support group; it's a beacon of hope and unity for cancer survivors, their families, friends, and those dedicated to cancer services.

The primary goal of this initiative is to encourage anyone affected by cancer to embrace physical activity, recognising the numerous benefits it offers in their journey to recovery and wellbeing.

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Four years ago, Basingstoke embraced the 5k Your Way initiative, thanks to the dedication of its ambassadors Alex Conboy, Sarah Govind, Sue Bowen, and Margaret Long.

Since its inception, the group has been meeting on the last Saturday of every month at War Memorial Park in Basingstoke.

Here, participants have the freedom to walk, jog, or run as much or as little of the parkrun 5k route as they desire.

The emphasis is always on individual choice, making it a truly inclusive and supportive community.

Alex Conboy, one of the founding ambassadors, said: "Since we started in Basingstoke four years ago, we have been through some challenging times, especially during the pandemic when we were unable to meet face-to-face.

"We came up with some innovative ideas for virtual walks and had regular Zoom meetings to keep supporting and encouraging people to keep active through the isolation of lockdowns.

“Since then, we have gone from strength to strength.   We now regularly get 30 people or more coming along to our monthly meet-ups.    Some are actively going through cancer treatment, some are recovering, some are living beyond cancer, and some are friends and family.    Anyone whose life has been touched by cancer in any way is very welcome to come along.”

The upcoming anniversary celebration promises to be a heartwarming gathering of hope and shared experiences.

With birthday cake and a vibrant sense of community, the event is not to be missed.

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Participants will assemble outside Totally Tennis in War Memorial Park by 8.45am for a 9am parkrun start.

After the walk or run, they will reconvene at Totally Tennis for a hot drink, some nibbles, and the camaraderie that defines 5k Your Way.

5k Your Way Move Against Cancer is part of a national initiative provided by Move Charity, with groups currently established at 87 parkrun locations across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

There are many more groups in development, making the initiative's reach wider and more impactful.

To learn more about 5k Your Way and how to join the Basingstoke group, visit their official website at 5kyourway.org.

You can also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/Basingstoke5kYourWay.

For information on the benefits of staying active before, during, and after cancer treatment, visit Macmillan Cancer Support's website.