Cancer group’s mission will be a walk in the park
Epic fundraising trek will cover nine miles
People whose lives have been touched by cancer are planning a day out at the park — with a twist.
Members of the Combat Cancer group, which has sessions in Paisley and Elderslie, won’t be sitting in the sun enjoying a picnic.
Instead, they will walk nine miles round Paisley’s main parks to raise cash that will help keep the support group going.
On Saturday, July 22, the walkers will head off from County Square at 12.30pm and make their way to: Fountain Gardens at Love Street; Barshaw Park; Jenny’s Well; Saucelhill Park, which is southeast of the town centre; Brodie Park, in the south end and Ferguslie Gardens, before ending at Dunn Square.
Fitness and rehab instructor Tricia, from Gallowhill, in Paisley, started Combat Cancer after her son Kenny was diagnosed with testicular cancer in August 2009, at the young age of 20.
She knew there were cardiac and stroke rehab exercise groups, but nothing for people recovering from cancer.
Her first Combat Cancer session was held in the town’s Wynd Centre in September 2010.
The group has gone from strength to strength and the walk is a recent addition to their fundraising efforts.
Tricia said: “Combat Cancer is an community exercise group for anyone who has been affected by the illness.
“We are walking nine miles around the Paisley parks to raise funds as we are a free service that relies solely on donations.
“We are also walking to raise awareness of our group.”
Combat Cancer sessions involve a gentle exercise class of dumbbells, shuttle-runs and skipping, as well as time for a blether and a cuppa.
The group meets in the Wynd Centre, in School Wynd, on Wednesdays, from 3pm to 4.30pm, and again on Thursdays from 6pm to 7.30pm.
There is also a session at Elderslie Kirk on Mondays, from 1pm to 2.30pm.
A fee of just £ 3 entitles you to join the two Paisley groups and the Elderslie one. You can find out more by calling Tricia on 0744 633 4166.
The groups are for anyone who is dealing with cancer, whether they have been diagnosed themselves or are helping a loved one through it.
Last year’s walk raised more than £ 900 and you can make a donation to this year’s walkers through Tricia’s JustGiving page at https://goo.gl/h4i2RL
If you or someone you know would benefit from Tricia’s classes and some support, contact the group through its Facebook page www. facebook. com/ CombatCancer-381530661997987/