Breaking Barriers to Recovery – 5K Your Way in Maesteg
Adam Downey • 7 August 2025
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We’re proud to have recently supported the launch of MOVE Against Cancer’s 5K Your Way group in Maesteg – a project using the power of community and movement to support people living with and beyond cancer.
Thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Breaking Barriers Fund, sessions in Maesteg are now helping local people affected by cancer access gentle, supportive, and empowering exercise through their local parkrun. The group is aimed at those undergoing treatment, survivors, family members, and even local healthcare professionals.
The importance of staying active after a cancer diagnosis is well established. Regular, gentle exercise has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve physical strength and mobility, and boost overall wellbeing. MOVE Against Cancer’s 5K Your Way programme brings this to life in a friendly, welcoming way that breaks down barriers to participation – especially vital in areas like Maesteg, which faces some of the highest cancer inequalities in Wales.
Michelle, one of the Maesteg group’s volunteer ambassadors, shares her story:
“I’ve been an active participant at parkrun for more than 10 years. I have complex health conditions, and last year I was also diagnosed with cancer. Attending parkrun has always been an important part of my self-management, so I was delighted to be asked to volunteer as an ambassador for 5K Your Way.
I find volunteering extremely rewarding – walking and talking with many participants, including those affected by cancer. Parkrun is far more than a 5K run or walk – it’s social contact, being part of a community, being outdoors in the fresh air.
Cancer and chronic health conditions can be very isolating. Isolation can quickly lead to a loss in confidence and increased anxiety. 5K Your Way supports people to take that first step back into community life, and I look forward to each session – it gives me real satisfaction to know that my presence might be helping others.”
What’s next?
The Maesteg group runs on the last Saturday of each month at the Maesteg Welfare Park parkrun, and is open to anyone affected by cancer. Whether you want to run, walk, or simply come along for a cuppa and chat – you’ll be warmly welcomed.
Follow the group's Facebook page here to keep up to date.
Follow the group's Facebook page here to keep up to date.
Practical help and genuine care close to home. Two local people share how CRT Together’s Link Workers make a tangible difference.
Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil has been able to open the doors to a brand-new hair salon thanks to support from the Breaking Barriers Fund – a project designed to help community organisations test new ideas and expand their reach. The salon, based at Cancer Aid’s centre in Dowlais, provides a unique and much-needed service: free, one-to-one hair appointments for anyone affected by cancer. From wig fittings and restyling, to specialist advice on hair loss and scalp care, the salon offers a calm, private space where people can feel comfortable and supported. During the summer holidays, the team even ran a series of back-to-school haircuts for children – with every appointment helping to fund the continuation of one-to-one salon sessions for patients. “It’s not just about hair – it’s about confidence, dignity and wellbeing,” explains stylist Donna, who runs the service. “For many people, cancer treatment changes the way they feel about themselves. We want to help them feel more like ‘them’ again.” A Service for Patients – and the Wider Community All cancer-related salon services are completely free of charge for registered patients, but the team is also opening its doors through fundraising clinics. These work exactly like a regular salon appointment, with the same calm, quiet environment – but with the added benefit that proceeds go directly back into supporting Cancer Aid’s services. Appointments are available every Thursday, offering: Dry cuts Wash & blow dry Cut & blow dry Hair up / styling Men’s barbering services Wig support (fitting, cutting, washing) Hair, hair loss and scalp care advice Importantly, the salon does not offer chemical treatments such as colours or perms – keeping the focus on wellbeing, confidence, and practical support.
Last month, we brought people together from across South Wales for our CRT Together Annual Celebration Event — a heartwarming day filled with inspiration, community spirit, and stories of real impact. This event wasn’t just about looking back — although we’ve got a lot to be proud of! It was a chance to reflect on a powerful year of work supporting people affected by cancer across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area. We heard moving stories from some of the individuals we've supported, reminding us exactly why this work matters. Each voice highlighted the importance of human connection, personalised support, and having someone in your corner when it’s needed most. We were also joined by health professionals, volunteers, partners, and community groups who have been a key part of our journey so far — and who continue to help us grow stronger together. Here's a video capturing a year of impact within our communities:
