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Cancer survivor's inspirational running club

Connor Bennett
Journalist
Reporting fromBeccles, Suffolk
Alice Cunningham
BBC News, Suffolk
Jonny Michell/ BBC A group of runners zooming past the photographer. Upwards of 15 runners, many of which wearing the club's crest on their brightly coloured outfits. One of which is a lady, who is running whilst using a walking stick.Jonny Michell/ BBC
Worlingham RoadRunnerz "Together We Run" group meet on Sundays, to provide an inclusive experience for those battling long term illnesses

A breast cancer survivor who found staying active helped her recovery has launched an inclusive running group for others with long-term illnesses.

Michelle Hewitt, 45, co-founded Worlingham RoadRunnerz, near Beccles, Suffolk, in April 2020 before her own cancer diagnosis last year.

She revealed being active and outdoors was important for her cancer journey, so she then set up the Together We Run squad within the club for others going through similar battles.

Ms Hewitt said it had been "amazing" to see the friendships forming between group members and it showed "anyone can run".

Jonny Michell/ BBC Michelle Hewitt, is blonde, and is seen stretching her shoulders at the beginning of the session to warm up. She is wearing a bright pink T-shirt, with the Worlingham RoadRunnerz logo emblazoned on the front. Jonny Michell/ BBC
Michelle Hewitt spends the session doing running and walking intervals with other people battling illness and mobility issues

"What really helped me get through my diagnosis was being active," she explained.

"Running when I could, walking when I couldn't run. Being outside, with the group just really helped.

"This group has got an aim for anyone who is going through diagnosis, cancer or long term illness to help them get out and feel the benefits.

"I love seeing the friendships and the community that is made."

Jonny Michell/ BBC An aerial shot of the group, setting off. The "Together We Run" can be seen a few yards back from the Slow Sunday group. Jonny Michell/ BBC
The group has the support of the Sunday Slow group, which is designed for people taking their first strides in running

'Quash the stigma'

Ms Hewitt underwent surgery for her breast cancer before getting the all-clear, and added that the mental benefits of being active were "so important to me".

The Together We Run group forms part of the club's Slow Sunday sessions with group members enjoying both running and walking intervals.

"We have a lady going through treatment, another with a tumour and another with a hip problem," Ms Hewitt added.

"I want to quash the stigma. Anyone can run."

Jonny Michell/ BBC Rachel Pavet (left) wearing blue framed sunglasses and braided hair and Susan Oglesby (right) wearing a bright pink top, with black sunglasses. Jonny Michell/ BBC
Rachel Pavet (left) and Susan Oglesby (right) are some of the first members of the Together We Run group

Rachel Pavet, 44, and Susan Oglesby, 74, are members of the Together We Run group and have long term illnesses.

Ms Pavet recently rejoined the group, having previously been a half marathon runner

"It's very easy to sit at home and mope about your situation but coming here makes things instantly better," she said.

Ms Oglesby spoke of the importance of the group to her.

"When you have a life changing diagnosis, it can consume you," she said.

"In this group, it doesn't matter who you are, or how little you can do.

"It's being out in a group, talking with people on the same journey."

Jonny Michell/ BBC Sophie is wearing a lime green running T shirt, with her hair tied up in a bin, and has Blue framed sunglasses on. She also has a whistle around her neck, which is used to start and stop the groups running intervals. Jonny Michell/ BBC
Coach Sophie Riseborough uses a whistle to indicate to the runners when to set off on 45 second to a minute intervals before slowing down again to a run

Sophie Riseborough coaches the Slow Sunday group after joining two years ago as a beginner.

"It shows people that don't think they can run, that they can," she explained.

"For people like me, being a bit bigger, you can injure yourself by going too quick.

"This way, you meet people, make friends and start to enjoy running."

Ms Riseborough said Ms Hewitt had inspired the whole club.

"Even if we don't feel like running - when you see her out, given everything she's been through, nothing can hold us back if she's doing it while fighting cancer."

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