Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth joined service users, health professionals and Council staff of the Macmillan Move More, Antrim and Newtownabbey programme at a recent celebration event which took place at Antrim Castle Gardens.
Move More is delivered in partnership by Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Northern Health & Social Care Trust. The event began with a tree planting ceremony in memory of those who have been lost through cancer, followed by a walk around the award-winning Castle Gardens.
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 ensures that everyone living with cancer in Northern Ireland is aware of the benefits of physical activity and is enabled to choose to become and to stay active at a level that’s right for them. Move More NI is funded for three years by Macmillan Cancer Support and aims to provide the support that people living with cancer need to become and remain active and enjoy an improved quality of life.
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 to celebrate the positive impact of Move More in the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council area.”
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth said:
“Cancer affects thousands of people across Northern Ireland each year. This partnership with Macmillan has enabled the Council to provide opportunities for people affected by cancer to access the fantastic facilities, coaching and clubs that the Borough has to offer. As Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, I am very proud of what the programme has achieved to date and the work and effort that has been put in by everyone involved. Since the programme started in 2016, the Council has received over 500 referrals who have taken part in the Move More programme.”
Move More Coordinator for Antrim & Newtownabbey, Alan McCausland 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 Antrim & Newtownabbey phone Move More Coordinator Alan McCausland on 075 8765 7488 or email: movemore@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
If you would like to help Macmillan to raise invaluable funds to support services for people living with cancer in Northern Ireland, visit macmillan.org.uk or call our Supporter Care Team on 0300 1000 200 today.