DERRY and Strabane District Council is the latest council area in the North of Ireland to establish an empowering physical activity project to improve the lives of local people living with cancer.
Move More NI is delivered in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and was launched this week at the Foyle Arena followed by a walk for more than 100 Move More participants from all over NI along the Peace Bridge and Derry Walls.
Move More NI is funded for three years by Macmillan Cancer Support, working in partnership with physical activity providers, local councils and health and social care trusts all over Northern Ireland to provide the support that people living with cancer need to improve their fitness.
Move More NI will also receive public recognition from Sport Northern Ireland having been named ‘Project of the Year’ in the Sportmaker NI Awards which shine a light on the local sporting workforce and the people and projects that make sport happen.
Many people living with cancer want to make positive changes to their lives, and taking steps to have a healthier lifestyle can be a big part of this.
Move More NI aims to ensure that everyone living with cancer in Northern Ireland is aware of the benefits of physical activity and can choose to become and to stay active at a level that’s right for them.
Heather Monteverde, Head of Services for Macmillan in Northern Ireland said: “There are 63,000 people living with cancer in NI – almost one in two of us will experience cancer at some point in our lifetime.
“Physical activity is safe during and after most types of cancer treatment and can help to reduce the side effects of this treatment, prevent the occurrence of other long-term conditions, and reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning. We are delighted that Move More has now launched in the Derry City and Strabane Council area.’
Hosting the event at Foyle Arena, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle said:
“I am delighted the Move More programme is now established in our Council area and that local people living with a cancer diagnosis can now access the support and encouragement to develop and sustain an active lifestyle through physical activity.
“I would like to congratulate the staff at Council, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Western Trust who have worked closely to develop and launch the programme locally and wish the newly appointed Move More Coordinator Sean Hargan well in his post.”
Move More Coordinator for Derry and Strabane, Sean Hargan is responsible for providing the support, motivation and opportunities that people may need to become and remain active.
He says: “Move More is available for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer. I can help people to find an activity that they enjoy and that fits in with their lifestyle.
“We provide the support that they need to become and remain active and enjoy improved quality of life.
“People have the opportunity to try out a range of activities, and access incentives including free taster sessions, discounted membership rates and access for family and friends too.”
People living with cancer can be referred onto Move More NI by a healthcare professional, or can also self-refer onto the project.
To get involved or for more information on Move More in Belfast call 07587 657 488 or email [email protected].
Visit Macmillan NI on YouTube to view a short video about the Move More initiative.
