Lisburn & Castlereagh Macmillan Move More programme participants have been busy, with whisks and spatulas at the ready, in preparation for two coffee mornings held to support Macmillan Cancer Support.
An impressive £1,177.18 was raised across both events, which were hosted at Grove Activity Centre and Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.
Visitors enjoyed tea, traybakes and treats, served up in exchange for donations to Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Macmillan Move More programme aims to help people living with cancer to get and stay active during and after cancer treatment. The programme helps to prevent and manage some of the effects of treatment, such as fatigue, depression, muscle wasting and risks to heart health, as well as providing ongoing support.
Attending the events, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan commented: “I wish to extend my thanks to everyone that dropped in to the coffee mornings in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support including the Move More participants for their organisation and to our Lisburn & Castlereagh Move More Coordinator, Aaron Irwin.
"These events are a great way of raising money for a vital charity, to enable the continuation of the provision of valuable services within our communities.
"Through the delivery of the Macmillan Move More programme, Aaron runs cancer specific physical classes but also provides emotional support through the rapport built with participants.”
Below are testimonials from Macmillan Move More Lisburn & Castlereagh participants:
“I joined the group recently, having been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. I was keen to get back to (gentle) exercise so was delighted to hear about Move More. Aaron, our coach, has been so supportive and encouraging and I really feel that I am making progress back to fitness. I look forward to his classes which I find challenging but really enjoyable. Aaron makes them fun! I would really encourage anyone recovering from cancer to join.”
“I was referred to the Move More Group via my Breast Care Nurse. I received a call from Aaron and was told about all the activities and asked if I would like to come along. They have pilates, circuits and a walking group. I've been to pilates about four times now and it's definitely beneficial. It's great exercise, great for stretching and also good for the mind with all the breath work. It's also at a manageable pace and there are alternatives shown for every exercise. It's also lovely to be in a group of people who have been through a similar experience. Everyone is very friendly and I plan to keep the class on even though I am back to work.”
“I had just retired when I had my second cancer diagnosis. After I recovered from surgery I found I missed the routine that work brings to life - sometimes making you leave the house and meet with people when you really didn’t feel like it! Joining the Move More classes has not just been helpful in my physical recovery but has been good for me mentally as well. Everyone is very friendly and Aaron makes the programme sufficiently challenging that it feels worthwhile but not so hard that you feel discouraged.”
To find out more:
Referral onto the Macmillan Move More Programme can be made through a Health Professional, self-referral or through a friend or family member.
For further information on Macmillan Move More in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council or to register, email: aaron.irwin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 07392 280829.