Check out Gemma’s story of courage, optimism and determination as well as her highly personal move against cancer.
It’s more than a worthy cause. It’s a concept that can literally change lives. We see initiatives like this one across the UK and Ireland – and others like it that we have supported in Europe – as an ideal means of giving back to communities.
The organisation has now established over 50 5K Your Way groups across the UK and Ireland, encouraging those living with and beyond cancer – families, friends and those working in cancer services – to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer with local 5K Your Way groups at parkruns on the last Saturday of every month. Zalaris is a proud sponsor, encouraging people throughout our international operations and elsewhere to help make a difference.
Zalaris Norseman represents another way we’re striving to make a difference by sponsoring the most iconic triathlon in the world – with 5,025 athletes representing 94 countries entered the draw for 225 of the starting slots that were drawn earlier this month. Our active participation includes raising funds for both #AKTIV Against Cancer and 5K Your Way.
As part of Zalaris’ efforts supporting these causes, we sponsored Lucy Gossage’s Ironman journey this year, which included her winning the first running of the XTri World Championships race series’ flagship event in August, the Norseman.
“We know that exercise has a plethora of benefits for those living with and after cancer, for both physical and mental health,” Lucy underscores. “Whether you’re personally living with or after cancer, or looking to support friends, family or other loved ones facing cancer, don’t be scared to get involved. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Go at it at YOUR own pace, while striving to strengthen and turn the lives of others around. I’m confident team Zalaris’ own ‘move against cancer’ will inspire many others to do more.”
What can be more motivating and rewarding?
Consider the challenge “a work in progress” no matter how physically fit (or not) you are today. Parkruns are free, weekly, 5km timed events around the world that are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. 5K Your Way groups are helping those affected by cancer to experience the known physical benefits from being active alongside the psychosocial benefits from a support network that understands, creating a life-affirming, uplifting community within the wonderful existing parkrun community. Join a 5KYW group at a parkrun for your own health and well-being and that of others, who may be less (or more) fortunate.
5K Your Way is a support group with a difference, a run and walking club with a difference, a social opportunity with a difference, a coffee morning with a difference
It’s up to all of us to make a profound and everlasting impact. Learn more today on all the ways to support 5K Your Way as well as #AKTIV Against Cancer … and make an active difference!