SOMERSET Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) and MacMillan Cancer Support launched their new 'Revitalise' initiative to help people living with cancer become more active on Saturday.

More than 40 people, including the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Hazel Prior-Sankey, took part in a walk from Somerset County Cricket Club - where they were met by cricketers Eddie Byrom and Tom Banton - to Taunton Rugby Club, with the majority staying to watch the hosts defeat London Irish Wild Geese 31-24.

Walkers included staff from the chemotherapy, radiotherapy and urology departments at Musgrove Park Hospital and members of Taunton Town FC, Taunton Athletic Club, Blackbrook Tennis Centre, Taunton Vale Sports Club and Huish Tigers Basketball Club. 

Representatives from 1610, Somerset Prostate support group, Millichamp and Hall, SASP Walking Sports and SASP Social Sports also took part.

'Revitalise' is a network of activity sessions, available across Somerset, that promote physical activity and exercise for people affected by cancer and their families. 

The sessions are led by trainers from local leisure providers who are trained to work with people with cancer but the sessions are open to the whole community. 

The day had a personal connection for Stewart Collins, Adult Participation Manager, Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership, who said: “Cancer has now knocked at my door twice. 

"Remaining physically active throughout the treatments has enabled me to feel I am in control, that cancer is not going to define me or affect how I live my life."