Bolton West MP Chris Green laced up his trainers and joined the fight against cancer last week by taking part in a mile run for Cancer Research UK.
Chris, who has run marathons in the past, united with fellow MPs from across the UK to take part in ‘the Extra Mile’ – a mile-long run around London’s St James Park.
More than four in ten cancer cases each year could be prevented largely through changes to lifestyle such as keeping a healthy weight and being physically active and the event highlighted how Cancer Research UK’s running challenges can help people to be more active, as well as raise money for life-saving research.
Chris said: “I was very proud to be taking part in The Extra Mile to help raise awareness of how these events can help people be more active, as well as raise money for life-saving research.
“It’s events like the Race for Life and Pretty Muddy series where Bolton West residents can ‘go the extra mile’ and help in the fight against cancer.”
Becoming more active has longer-term benefits, as research shows that regular, moderate physical activity reduces the risk of cancer. Not only does it help people to keep a healthy body weight, but physical activity in itself can reduce the risk of some types of the disease.
Even if people don’t do any physical activity at the moment, just getting started can make a difference – and the amount they do can be built up over time.
Alison Cox, Director of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer never sleeps, so we’re grateful to Chris Green MP for helping to rally new recruits to our cause.
“With the arrival of lighter evenings, we hope people in the North West will swap their slippers for trainers and commit to get fitter by signing up for a running event.
“Lifestyle changes – such as being physically active, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking, are some of the big opportunities for us all to personally reduce our cancer risk. We are calling on the Government to help people to make positive changes by increasing opportunities to be more active, tackling junk food advertising and supporting local stop smoking services.
“There are over 200 types of cancer and we won’t stop until we find cures for them all. The more research we are able to fund the sooner that day will come.”