When Charlie Degale was facing months of chemotherapy and a cancer operation, it was staying active that helped pull him through some of his lowest moments.
Now the 60-year-old wants to help others experiencing cancer and is set to launch a new, free support group as part of the Fulham Palace Parkrun.
"Exercise helped me get through cancer treatment so I'm passionate about helping support other people," says Charlie, who works as a physical trainer for the Met Police in West Brompton.
"Cancer can be very isolating and affect your mental and physical health, so this is a great way of meeting up in a social environment and speaking to others going through a similar experience."
Taking place on Saturday 27 September, the Fulham Palace 5k Your Way group will take place on the last Saturday of each month.
Get involved
The new meet-up is part of the 5k Your Way initiative from the charity Move Against Cancer, which now has more than 100 groups across the UK led by trained volunteer ambassadors.
Charlie explains:
Every month, people come together to share the benefits of movement from reducing fatigue and lifting mood to improving fitness, and building friendships. What I love most about the 5k Your Way movement is that it gives people chance to meet others going through similar experiences and get that feel-good factor.
You can walk it, jog it, just do part of it, turn up and volunteer or just come for a coffee and a chat, it's all about supporting people."
Sharing the message through leaflets at local hubs including Charing Cross Hospital and the Maggie's cancer support centre in Fulham Palace Road, Charlie has already gathered volunteers to help.
The Fulham Palace 5k Your Way team of volunteers dressed in blue t-shirts will meet at 8.45am by the café in Bishops Park ready to welcome new faces to the group before the runners head off at 9am.
For more information contact fulhampalacegroup@5kyourway.org or check out the group's Instagram page @Fulhampalace5kyourway
