Move More ABC do coffee for Macmillan

Participants from Move More Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon – a physical activity project that supports people living with and beyond cancer to become and remain active – came together on Thursday 28 September for the Macmillan Coffee Morning to support people living with the disease.

Participants from the programme, along with their family and friends, joined the Lord Mayor and programme coordinators for tea, coffee and sweet treats at the South Lake Leisure Centre to raise awareness of the programme and the vital work of Macmillan Cancer Support to help people affected.

More than 3 million people are currently living with cancer in the UK. By 2030 this figure will rise to 4 million. Macmillan aim to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, by providing physical, financial and emotional support.

Many people with cancer lose fitness, muscle mass and strength, and research shows that exercise can have a positive impact on physical and emotional wellbeing before, during and after treatment.

Commenting on the Move More programme and the impact of exercise on the lives of people living with cancer, Lord Mayor Alderman Margaret Tinsley said:

“Getting a cancer diagnosis is life changing in many ways. The Move More programme is a beacon for hope for people living with cancer and their families. The programme promotes physical activity and the importance of remaining active and social, which ultimately helps to improve their clinical and quality of life outcomes.

“Whether it’s getting active by walking, spending time with family or friends at the park, working out at the gym or cycling, the Move More programme is here to help people living with cancer to initiate and sustain an active lifestyle, at a pace that suits the individual’s needs.”

The project, funded together by Macmillan Cancer Support and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and supported by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has been running for over 6 years across the ABC Council area. The programme offers weekly drop-in classes, a walking group, Couch2kilos strength training programme, 1:1 gym support and advice sessions.

For more information on the Move More programme, please contact Nuala McVeigh