Organized by charity MOVE, the 5K Your Way will take place this Saturday 28th October in Govan’s Elder Park.
dr. Ioanna Nixon, from the south side of Glasgow, is an award-winning consultant oncologist at Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Center and is also an ambassador for Elder Park.
Dr Nixon explained that being active and keeping fit can really help a person with cancer, despite what many people think to the contrary when it comes to a vulnerable patient.
She said: “As a doctor, I know well the importance of exercise for physical and mental health health.
“Science suggests that any moderate aerobic exercise, as well as moderate-intensity exercise, helps maintain health, prevent disease, and makes us feel better.
“In people with mental illness, including depression, and on antidepressants, evidence suggests that they do better when exercise is part of their daily lives.
“Despite all this knowledge, we often think of any form of exercise as a painful act, torture. Especially when we are vulnerable, in the face of physical illness. But the benefits are many and wide, so as long as there are no objections from our medical team, we should consider let’s try that!”
The ambassador, who recently broke her ankle, added that she is excited to attend and will attempt to run up to 5km despite still recovering.
She said: “Listening to patients and families over the years in oncology, I know how important it is for people to feel part of a community, to enjoy the benefits of exercise while socializing
“I broke my ankle nine weeks ago and I’m still recovering. I’m recovering, but recovery is a personal journey!
“So if you don’t feel like running, join me for an outdoor walk or a light run and a chat.”
Claire Cobben, who is taking part in the 5k Your Way, spoke about how there is not enough awareness of the benefits of exercise when being treated for cancer, which is why she is taking part.
She said: “Keeping myself moving during treatment has given me something to strive for, which is really achievable with a bit of personal motivation.
“During my cancer treatment, I felt a lack of awareness of the benefits of exercise and a lack of cancer-specific exercise options.”
Gillian Russell, who helped organize the event’s introduction to Scotland, said: “I’m so proud to see this coming to Scotland as it’s such a popular event.
“Everyone at the MOVE charity has been keen to open a branch in Scotland and to have done so now has made a lot of effort worth it.”
The event will start at 9.30am in Elder Park and people are encouraged to come along and take part in any way they can.
