TWO FRIENDS who have both fought breast cancer are running a new support group with a difference to help others who are affected by the disease.

Eleanor Thomson, from Guiseley, and Vicki Gilbert, from Yeadon, are urging people living with and beyond cancer to get active by joining 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer.

The initiative has groups around the country. Eleanor and Vicki are ambassadors for the recently-launched Woodhouse Moor group, along with Stephen Turrell, Lynn de Dombal and Curtis Parker-Milnes. Each one has different reasons for being involved - professional, personal or both. Vicki runs exercise classes for cancer patients. She invited Eleanor to get involved in 5k Your Way as she had returned to running after an early breast cancer diagnosis and was keen to find ways to support others.

They said: “The Woodhouse Moor 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group invites those living with and beyond cancer, their families, friends and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local group linked to a parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month and then socialise afterwards in a local café.

“Physical activity has been shown to have a number of important benefits for people living with cancer. It reduces cancer related fatigue, helps to preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and improves psychological well-being. It may also reduce treatment side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival.

“However, despite these benefits, a NHS report found that only 23 per cent of people living with cancer achieve the recommended 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week. The 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer initiative linked to parkrun, provides an opportunity to do this.”

The Leeds group meets at the Duke of Wellington statue on Woodhouse Moor at 8.45am for a 9am start on the last Saturday of the month. Visit https://5kyourway.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/woodhousemoor5kyourway.