A fun run encouraging those living with and beyond cancer to get involved will take place in Glasgow for the first time.
Organised by the MOVE charity, 5K Your Way will be held this Saturday, October 28 in Govan's Elder Park .
Dr Ioanna Nixon, from the Southside of Glasgow, is an award-winning consultant oncologist at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and is also an Elder Park ambassador.
Dr Nixon has explained that being active and keeping fit can really help a person who is suffering from cancer, despite many people thinking the opposite when it comes to a vulnerable ill person.
She said: "As a doctor, I know well the importance of exercise on physical and mental health.
"Science suggests any moderate aerobic exercise as well as moderate intensity exercise helps us keep well, prevents diseases and makes us feel better.
"In people with mental illness, including depression and on antidepressants evidence suggests they do better when exercise is part of their daily life.
"Despite all this knowledge, frequently we think of any form of exercise as a painful act, a torture. Especially when we are vulnerable, facing a physical illness. However, the benefits are many and broad, so as long as there are no objections by our medical team, we should consider giving it a go!"
The ambassador, who had recently broken her ankle, went on to add how she is excited to attend, and will try and jog her way to 5k despite still recovering.
She said: "Having listened to patients and families over the course of my years in oncology, I know how important it is for people to feel part of a community, to enjoy the benefits of exercising while socialising
"Nine weeks ago I broke my ankle and I am still recovering. I am recovering but recovery is a personal journey!
"So, if you don’t feel up for running, join me for a walk outdoors, or a mild jog and a chat."
Claire Cobben, who is attending the 5k Your Way spoke about how there is not enough awareness of the benefits of exercising when getting treatment for cancer, and that is why she is going along.
She said: "Keeping myself moving through my treatment has given me something to aim for that's really achievable with a little personal motivation.
"During my cancer treatment, I felt there was a lack of awareness around the benefits of exercise and a lack of cancer-specific exercise opportunities."
Gillian Russell, who has helped organise the introduction of the event to Scotland, said: "I am so proud to see this come to Scotland as it is such a popular event.
"Everyone at MOVE charity has been eager to branch into Scotland and to now do it has made a lot of the hard work worthwhile."
The event will begin at 9.30am at Elder Park with people encouraged to come along to take part in whatever way they can.
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