Nordic Walking after breast cancer diagnosis

Editor,

I am busy mum of two active teenagers who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

I am now managing my life with metastatic breast cancer.

I am passionate about supporting other people who are having a similar experience.

I have been Nordic Walking (NW) for a number of years and had thought about setting up a group for breast cancer patients to help them gain the benefits of Nordic Walking too.

Done right, you can burn up to 40% more calories than normal walking!

Now I bet that has got your attention…

I started NW daily under lockdown (I still go out every day and take my poles on holiday) and in a moment of madness, I applied for a grant from Greater Manchester Charity Voluntary Organization (GMCVO) to specifically support breast cancer patients.

I then decided to expand to develop groups around Greater Manchester and East Cheshire (that’s the area that Greater Manchester Cancer covers under the GM Alliance).

Shockingly I won the grant!

And here we are nearly two years later but not without having had to manage lots of problems in between due to a worldwide pandemic: lockdowns, isolation and social distancing!

The core team is finally coming to fruition with 13 Instructors covering the GM area.

Each instructor will try to run a weekly session and include daytime and evening sessions to accommodate the needs and lifestyles of the different participants.

The instructors have attended their training with British Nordic Walking and have been trained in First Aid.

They have all been provided with sufficient equipment to run a small group which means that participants will not be required to provide their own equipment but can simply turn up and join in.

We aim to reach ALL GM hospitals, breast cancer clinics, GP's, Maggies, Macmillan, Cancer charities, social prescribing groups etc to signpost patients to this new initiative so please spread the word.

As a group we are strong advocates for the physical activity experienced with NW as we know it has great benefits for breast cancer patients.

This is because following surgery for breast cancer, if lymph nodes are removed the arms can become swollen and difficult to move due a condition known as lymphoedema.

During NW the lymph is moved around the body more easily, so it helps support movement and lymphatic drainage. And if that’s not enough, the exercise is a full body work out so burns more calories than standard walking.

Additionally, because the group will be made up of people who have experienced the same difficulties, all having had breast cancer, there will no doubt be great peer support.

We will all be there to help each other after a primary diagnosis and for those living with metastatic/secondary breast cancer.

So, we hope it will become more than just a walking group, but also a movement that supports patients after a breast cancer diagnosis...

And just in case you’re a little shy to come along alone, we welcome partners or carers, although we will give pole use priority to breast cancer patients, charging a small fee to those without cancer.

This will keep us financially secure and help with the sustainability of our groups.

We look forward to seeing the group grow, develop and become a sustainable exercise for those who have had breast cancer.

Jo Taylor

Saddleworth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCDNordicWalking

Twitter: @abcdiagnosis

Website: www.abcdiagnosis.co.uk

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.