A RUNNING group is encouraging people living with or who know someone with cancer to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a 5K parkrun event.

Harwich 5K Your Way event takes place on the last Saturday of every month at Cliff Park, Dovercourt.

The group meets at the Blue Flag Café at 8.45am ready to inspire people with cancer.

A spokesman for 5K Your Way said: “Saturday was a beautiful sunny day.

"We had eight regular members and were able to welcome Mark Smith from Chelmsford, who hopes to set up a group there.

“This week, Beverley Youngs was chief photographer for Parkrun. Some people walked, some jogged and some ran.

“It’s a good way to meet other people and chat on the promenade.

"In the summer months the park café is a regular stop for coffee and maybe a late breakfast afterward.”

In total, there are 68 '5K your way' groups across the UK and Ireland whose aim is to encourage cancer patients, or their families and carers to socialise with each other and get into a consistent routine of running.

The initiative was founded by oncology consultant and 12 times Ironman champion, Lucy Gossage, and international runner and Move Charity founder, Gemma Hillier-Moses, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24 in 2012.

Ms Gossage added: “We hope that 5K Your Way, Move Against Cancer offers an avenue for health care professionals to signpost anyone affected by cancer towards activity in a safe, welcoming, supportive and empowering environment.

“We hope the initiative will encourage health care professionals to increase their own activity levels alongside their patients.”

5K Your Way has noted the benefits of physical activity as including a reduction in cancer fatigue, improving psychological well-being and reducing anxiety and preserving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness.

For more information on 5K Your Way email info@5kyourway.org.