A SUPPORT group, which encourages people to move against cancer, has celebrated its first anniversary with a “fantastic park run”.

Harwich 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer, which was created by Elspeth Knott a year ago, celebrated its first birthday last Saturday at the Cliff Park bandstand, in Dovercourt, by holding a park run and a social event afterwards.

Mrs Knott, of Paynes Lane, Little Bromley said ten people from the Harwich 5k Your Way joined in with the Harwich park runners and 181 people were running together.

She said: “We had a very good day as it wasn’t windy or too cold.

“Even though the event was free people donated £80 towards our movement.

“It was fantastic, and people were so generous.

“But there must be more people in the area who don’t know about our initiative and haven’t received our message.

“So I’d encourage people living with and beyond cancer, and their friends and families, to get out and mix with other people because it’s good and it’s a wonderful experience.

“It’s important you have others around you who understand what you’re going through, and this can be beneficial both mentally, emotionally and physically.”

Mrs Knott said two new people joined the group, but she emphasised they are the only support group in Harwich, Dovercourt or the Tendring area who offer support for people fighting cancer.

She added: “Also we’d never leave anyone behind.

“Some park runners run quite quickly and finish their race quicker - in about half an hour - but we have people who are just jogging or walking.

“Sometimes even the runners would stay behind if they see that somebody is struggling.

“The point is, you’re never left alone, we’d always encourage you and cheer you on at the finish line.

“People shouldn’t think it’s not for me because there will always be somebody with you.”

After the event, runners were invited for a chat over a hot drink and cake at the Navigator Hall, in Barack Lane, in Harwich.

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

The next event will take place on February 29 at 8.45am at the Cliff Park bandstand, in Dovercourt.