A SUPPORT group, which encourages people to move against cancer, has invited people to join their first year anniversary celebration.

The Harwich 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer, will be celebrating its first anniversary on January 25 at the Cliff Park bandstand, Dovercourt, from 9am by organising a celebratory park run and social event.

After the park run, participants are invited to join for a chat over a hot drink and cake at the Navigator Hall, in Barack Lane, Harwich.

The 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer, is a national initiative which combines a cancer support group with park run.

The Harwich group was started a year ago by Elspeth Knott, who after being diagnosed with cancer herself, found peace while running.

The 69-year-old, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, said she’s now all clear after more than ten years of fighting cancer. She said running has helped her both physically and mentally.

Elspeth, of Paynes Lane, Little Bromley said: “I was especially excited to be able to start this group in Harwich.

“I know from personal experience how beneficial it was for me mentally, physically and emotionally to be able to run in between treatments for breast cancer.

“We invite those living with and beyond cancer, their families, friends and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at the park run events on the last Saturday of every month and then socialise afterwards over a drink and cake in a café.

“In short, we are an active coffee morning combining fresh air, movement and socialising.”

The Harwich 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group is run by Elspeth with Carol Cordwell and Alison Manley.

People living with and beyond cancer in Dovercourt and the wider Tendring area are being encouraged to get active as part of the new initiative and join Mrs Knott to stay active.

Those interested in joining the group are asked to sign up at 5kyourway.org/register before meeting at 8.45am on the last Saturday of every month.