(L-R): Heather Monteverde; Head of Services NI Macmillan Cancer Support, Anne McDowell; Move More service user and Eimear Hagan; Move More Coordinator Ards & North Down celebrate the official launch of the Move More physical activity programme.

People affected by cancer in the Ards and North Down areas are already benefitting from a new physical activity scheme which had its official launch recently.

‘Move More’ is an initiative in partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support, Northern Community Leisure Trust and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust which encourages people living with cancer to benefit from physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Move More is part of Macmillan’s campaign to ensure that people living with cancer are supported to become physically active, both before, during and after their treatment. A growing body of evidence shows it can play a vital role in helping to prevent a recurrence, slow disease progression as well as mitigating the side effects and consequences of cancer treatment such as fatigue.

Speaking at the launch, Heather Monteverde, Head of Services NI for Macmillan Cancer Support said: “More and more research is continuing to show that getting better is not just about treatment, that’s why we have put together a wider-reaching Recovery Package which includes elements such as physical activity.

“Exercise has been referred to as a wonder drug, helping people cope with the effects of treatment and even helping to reduce the risk of cancer returning. We now know that rest is no longer best and that keeping active is key to helping us keep well.”

With studies showing over 77% of people living with cancer not active enough, Move More is a valuable tool in tackling these figures.

Eimear Hagan, Macmillan Move More Coordinator for Ards & North Down, explained that the scheme isn’t just for gym bunnies. She said: “Move More involves an individually-tailored programme of physical activity support for people living with cancer. You don’t need to have been super-fit before your diagnosis, we are here to help everyone, regardless of your level of fitness. It’s all about getting active at your own pace and at a level that suits you.

“We have a wide-range of classes across the Ards and North Down areas, everything from gym sessions to Move More classes, which not only help when it comes to getting active, but are also great social opportunities too. Alternatively, for people who prefer to get active at home, be it through gardening or walking with family, we can also provide distance support to help them on the right track.

“There really is something to suit everyone so if you are or if you know someone living with cancer, why not get in touch and see what we can do for you.”

To find out more on Move More Ards & North Down, contact Eimear at eimear.hagan@serco.com or on 07718194434