Walkers put ‘Breast Foot Forward’ to fight cancer

Published On Mon 24 Apr 2017 by Cara Longmuir

The University of Dundee is urging people to pull on their trainers and walk for a fight against cancer.

A team from the University’s Institute of Sport and Exercise (ISE) will be organising a Twilight Walk on Saturday, 29^th April, in partnership with the Scottish cancer charity Breast Foot Forward.

The 6.5 mile walk will start at 3pm at the University’s Riverside Sports Grounds. Walkers will head towards the Waterfront and through the City Centre. They will then make their way to the University Campus and will finish with a walk along Perth Road, past the University Botanic Gardens, and back to the Sports Grounds.

All money raised during the Twilight Walk will stay in Dundee to improve the lives of local people affected by all types of cancer. Previous walks have helped ISE to launch the Working and Cancer Dundee project. This programme offers 1-to-1 exercise sessions to help people get back to work following a cancer diagnosis.

One local lady who has received help from Breast Foot Forward funding is Jennifer Byers. She started on the cancer exercise referral pathway at ISE following cancer treatment in 2013.

She said, “Physical activity helped me to rebuild my mobility, strength, and to cope with the fatigue following cancer treatment. The ISE programme helped to boost my confidence and I was able to return to work within three months of completing my treatment.

“I’m thankful to those who have taken part in the Twilight Walk previously as the ISE programme wouldn’t exist without support from Breast Foot Forward.”

Breast Foot Forward Trustee, Liz Milligan, said "This programme of supporting people back to work, specific to Dundee, is one of the charity's proudest achievements, and has won national recognition from the world of business as well as from participating individuals. 

“Our successful partnership with ISE is now informing and underpinning the next stage of exciting work being done by ISE and the University, and will further benefit those living and working with cancer in the city.

"None of this would have been possible had it not been for our Twilight Walk participants." 

Anyone who wants to take part in this year’s Twilight Walk should contact the Charity at www.breastfootforward.org or email info@breastfootforward.org or call 07591 007 540.

For media enquiries contact:
Cara Longmuir
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385243
Email: c.z.longmuir@dundee.ac.uk