Nordic Walking with the NHS & Macmillan

Our Work on Behalf of the NHS & Macmillan

In 2021, the John Le Vay Centre and the MacMillan Cancer Information and Wellbeing Centre at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust Hospital launched an exciting project with the Suffolk School of Nordic Walking.

Between us we offered free ‘Start Nordic Walking’ training to cancer patients and NHS staff. In addition there were options for regular guided walks and the opportunity to further develop Nordic Walking to cover the entire internationally recognised INWA ‘Ten Steps’.

Nordic walking is an excellent way to get active and fitter. Under trained instruction it  exercises 90% of the body’s skeletal muscles, without stress on joints. Its benefits* to cancer patients from improving wellbeing to even lymphatic drainage, have been widely documented. For those requiring further insight, please go to a range of reports provided by our governing body British Nordic Walking www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk/nordic-walking-research

This is an easily accessible exercise pre-treatment, during and after treatment*. For staff or the more ambitious, it can be developed into a full workout. Our classes and walks aren’t competitive however and matched to the capability of everybody!

References and information about the Nordic Walking patient experience with the Suffolk School of Nordic Walking can be obtained from the team at:

The John Le Vay Cancer Support and Information Centre, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Tel: 01473 715748 

Alternatively contact;

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Well Being Centre, ESNEFT, Colchester. Tel: 01206 745347 

For general questions about Nordic Walking, our public taster sessions, courses, classes and walks for all levels of physical ability and health, please feel free to email us directly at; nordic.walking@thecoddenhamcentre.co.uk or telephone: 07801699786.

Alternatively go to our other pages on this site for more information on your instructor Jane MacPherson and our programmes, which are also all available to NHS patients and staff. There are also details on the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust Hospital website, see the button below.

*Please help us to stay COVIDSafe and follow government guidelines. Nordic Walking can be adjusted entirely to your own pace and level of fitness. You should consult your Specialist, Nurse or GP if you have any concerns or clinical questions.