A NEW walking group for people who have experience of cancer is to be held every week in the borough.

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has helped set up the new group with Bury's "I Will If You Will" public health initiative, in conjunction with the Macmillan information and support centre at North Manchester General Hospital.

The venture is open to patients who have or have had cancer, their relatives, friends and carers. Walks will take place every Tuesday at 11am at St Mary's Church in Prestwich.

Anyone can join the walking group, but people who have experienced cancer at any of Pennine 's four hospitals, including North Manchester and Fairfield, are particularly welcome.

Regular walking has been proven by experts to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses including some cancers, as well as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and stroke.

Felicity Keeling, Macmillan information and support service manager at Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Exercise has been described as a wonder drug for people who have been treated for cancer, in contrast to the days when it was thought they should rest up.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for some gentle exercise for those looking to improve their fitness, in the company of others who have been through a similar situation including carers and friends of people who’ve had cancer.”

More information about the walking group or cancer in general in available from the Macmillan information and support centre at North Manchester General Hospital on 0161 604 5244 or by e-mailing macmillan.infocentre@pat.nhs.uk.