Cwmbran’s parkrun on Saturday 30 August, will be an extra special event for runners and visitors.
Staff from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and charities will be on hand before the start and after the finish at Cwmbran Boating Lake to promote cancer awareness.
Organisations including Bowel Cancer UK and Cancer Care charity Maggie’s will join others to share advice on reducing your risk of cancer, highlight the importance of attending screening appointments, promote the importance of staying active and eating well while receiving cancer treatment, and signpost to local support and cancer care services
One of Cwmbran’s parkrunners is helping to promote the day and encourage others to get help and advice.
Cancer Survivor Lena Evan’s journey with Cancer began shortly after her 50th birthday in 2017. After a routine screening appointment for a mammogram came back clear, she later found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2018.
Lena said: “My life changed forever. Over the following eight months, I had six cycles of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiotherapy. It was tough, but the friendships I’d made through running gave me the strength to keep going – even when I couldn’t run, there was always someone willing to walk beside me instead.”
Couch to 5K
Lena began running in 2015 through a Couch to 5K group connected to parkrun for those affected by Cancer. Just 20 months later, she completed her first marathon.
After Cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery, she went on to run the London Marathon in 2022, raising over £3,000 for Breast Cancer Now. She’s a member of Griffithstown Harriers running club.
She said: “Parkrun and I have a love-hate relationship – 9am on a Saturday isn’t easy!
“But being part of the 5K Your Way group encourages me to show up, speak to others affected by Cancer, and hopefully show that recovery is possible.”
Lena and others will be near the boating lake’s cafe from 8.30am. Parkrun starts at 9am.