World Cancer Day - The importance of movement and community during cancer recovery
4 February marks World Cancer Day, an internationally observed day that raises awareness of cancer and encourages its prevention, early detection and treatment.
It is estimated that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and behind every diagnosis is a unique experience.
To mark World Cancer Day, parkrun and MOVE Against Cancer, are holding a special themed event at Aberdare Park on Saturday 7 February.
Encouraging everyone to participate, this is an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the benefits of walking, jogging, or volunteering for your own health and wellbeing.
Rachel’s Story - Why this matters
Rachel Reed, Public Health Practitioner at CTM, knows first-hand how important movement and community can be during cancer recovery. Diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 33, Rachel says:
"I had to navigate living with cancer at a young age and learn to rehabilitate my health and wellbeing; parkrun made a huge difference to me.”
Rachel has been in remission since April 2020 and is committed to raising awareness of bowel cancer in young people. Drawing on her lived experience, she advocates for better support for young people affected by cancer. In the summer of 2025, she completed a 10km run with her husband to raise funds for the CTM Colorectal Team, and she credits her involvement with parkrun as playing a vital role in her recovery.
“I volunteer for my local parkrun’s 5K Your Way group because I want to help anyone affected by cancer to stay active.“
“Exercise is not as easy as it used to be, but it really helps with my mental health and recovery from surgery. Raising awareness means so much to me - it’s my mission to make sure no one else experiences this illness that takes so much from you.“
Rachel has also been working with Macmillan Cancer Support to include cancer rehabilitation within patient care. Macmillan Cancer Support has released their 2026 manifesto detailing:
"Cancer support goes beyond clinical treatment. We are calling for access to rehabilitation, rehabilitation, and psychological support for everyone diagnosed with cancer in Wales."
Read more about the manifesto here.
Can’t make Aberdare Park run? There are six 5k Parkruns across CTM, plus junior events for families. Find your nearest parkrun event.
Additionally, read more about 5k Your Way (Move Against Cancer).
Did you know CRT Together Are Here to Support Those Affected by Cancer?
CRT Together is a programme delivered in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, helping people living with cancer and their families deal with their emotional and practical needs by signposting them to local cancer support services so that no one faces cancer alone.
It is currently available in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board area which covers Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Visit the CRT Together website.
04/02/2026