To be sure, we’re a small but mighty bunch.  Our self-named ‘5K Your Way Grannies’ include, but are not limited to, me (Debs), Jackie, Doreen, Angie, Sue and Jules.  We’re in our late 60s or 70s, but we don’t let that define us and have all found something pretty special in walking with Move Against Cancer’s 5K Your Way. And now our walks have gone up a gear with trundl, the walking for charity app.

What started as a way to keep fit and active during and post cancer treatment – or to keep our loved ones company as they were in treatment – has turned into something far more powerful. Namely, the 5K Your Way family.

To begin with, Move Against Cancer Charity’s 5K Your Way was where many of us first ‘found our feet’ again. Due to cancer related issues and/or side effects, I mean this both figuratively and literally. Without a doubt, 5K Your Way is so much more than an event. It’s a rather special monthly meet-up where people affected by cancer gather to move, walk, chat, and support one another. You don’t have to run 5K. Equally, you don’t even have to walk the whole thing. You just have to show up and do it your way.

That message – your way – is what makes both 5K Your Way and trundl so special. They celebrate every step, no matter how fast or far, and every walker, no matter their age, ability, or story.

trundl is an easy-to-use walking app that inspires us to walk for charity, without the pressure of competition. There are no finish lines, no stopwatches, and certainly no pressure to go fast. And this is the case whether we’re strolling to the shop or taking on longer routes. Richard and I just tackled 31km in preparation for a sponsored walk in May for example!  In short, every walk is equally important and they all count towards donations.

The app tracks our walks, creates lovely little maps we can share. And – here’s the best bit – donates to charities we care about, like Move Against Cancer, The Trussell Trust, and Dogs for Autism.

Our friend Doreen said it best:

“5K Your Way encourages you to exercise, but by adding trundl as well, no matter how short or long your walk, you’re raising money for charity. What’s not to like about that amazing combination?”

While trundl donates a whopping 30% of its income each month to UK charities, they don’t charge them a penny. It was built by two brilliant women, Hil and Tess, and their amazing team who are always cheering us on via social media. Their belief in walking with purpose has, as a result, helped make us all feel part of something bigger.

Despite her workload, Hil supports MOVE Against Cancer Charity by joining her local 5K Your Way whenever she can.  She’s also taken time to meet up with  the Nottingham ‘5K Your Way Grannies’ and a couple of ‘grandads’ to encourage and motivate us all!

As Jackie (one of our ‘grannies’!) says:

“A lot of apps are simply about making money for themselves, which is not the case for the trundl team. They really care about the charities they support and reach out to us as individuals.  For example, they send personal emails to say how well we’re doing. They also put their hearts into making life better for many people and the environment.  Animals, like our endangered hedgehogs, for instance. I love hedgehogs by the way!”

Together, these two initiatives have changed our lives. They’ve kept us moving, kept us connected, and given our steps real meaning.

So next time you’re out for a walk, think about joining us. Download the trundl app and, for those impacted by cancer, join MOVE’s 5K Your Way. As we have discovered, you might just surprise yourself and make a difference to UK charities at the same time.

Dr Debs Willoughby is a Move Against Cancer 5K Your Way Ambassador for Nottingham.  She is also a member of walking for charity app trundl. To date she has joined more than 40 5k Your Way events in Nottingham and beyond. These are held on the last Saturday of every month at local Park Runs across the country.  In addition, Debs has recorded over 1,300kms of walking through her trundl app.  She’s proud that every step creates donations for UK charities.