Loughinisland man Gerry praises Move More initiative

Loughinisland man Gerry praises Move More initiative

27 May 2020

THERE are not many who have been to the top of the majestic Eiffel Tower in France.

But Loughinisland man Gerry Morgan is one of the lucky few who have made it to the summit to snatch a bird’s eye view of the stunning Parisian landscape.

That was 10 years ago when he opted for the easy option by popping into the lift and by-passing the 1,665 steps. Just recently, Gerry made it back to the top of the famous landmark again — only this time he did it from the comfort of his own home. 

A decade ago, Gerry enjoyed good health and loved every minute of his visit to France but in 2015 Loughinisland GAC’s hard-working secretary contracted lung cancer, having never smoked a day in his life.

In September that year, surgeons removed one of his lungs and between then and Christmas Gerry received chemotherapy treatment to assist his road to recovery.

As a result of his illness, he was referred to Macmillan’s ‘Move More’ initiative at Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick, which is specifically designed to help people to get active and stay active with physical activity during and after most types of cancer treatment.

Under the watchful eye of initiative co-ordinator Laura McGrath, Gerry loved the camaraderie of being with others referred by medical staff to take part in physical activity which can help educe the side effects of treatment, prevent the occurrence of other long-term conditions and reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning.

“There were just four of us at the start,” recalled Gerry. “We started off in the old leisure centre which was subsequently replaced by a more modern building and there are now around 50 people who take part.

“We all look forward to the classes every Thursday morning and after our warm-up routine we then proceed around a circuit and spend time on various equipment, including a rowing machine. We also do sit-ups and squats.”

After the exercise regime it is time for a coffee and a chat, which all the Move More participants thoroughly enjoy.

“We are literally one big family as many of us have been through cancer and fortunately come out the other side. In a way, illness has brought us together,” continued Gerry.

But everything changed in March when the arrival of the coronavirus forced Newry, Mourne and Down Council to close all its leisure centres and public buildings.

To keep everyone involved, Laura — one of 11 Move More coordinators funded by Macmillan in every council area across the province to support those living with cancer — created an app to enable people to keep in touch remotely and exercise at home.

She also recently unveiled a new initiative encouraging people living with cancer to virtually climb their way around some of the world’s top landmarks to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic, without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

Laura said that while Move More members were not able to physically travel the world at the moment, there was no limit to their imagination.

Participants were given the choice of a number of buildings to scale, including London’s imposing Big Ben. 

Not surprisingly, Gerry opted to head back to the top of the Eiffel Tower, only this time he didn’t have to leave his front door during the virtual challenge.  He set off at a leisurely pace and over three days and, with a little je nous said quoi, made it to the top.

“I could have completed the climb in two days, but decided to do it over three instead,” he joked. “I really enjoyed doing it, but miss being with my Move More friends.”

Gerry is pleased that while face-to-face classes and appointments are not possible, Laura has been working on positive, fun and interesting ways to keep programme participants motivated and active in the comfort of their own surroundings.

He is also looking forward to getting back to the Down Leisure Centre when it is safe to do so and the pandemic is no more.

Recalling the first time he went to the centre following his referral, Gerry admits that he was a little apprehensive.

“I distinctly remember driving to Downpatrick and was so nervous that I almost turned the car around to go back home,” he said. “But I continued on and am so glad that I did. It has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me, one that I thoroughly enjoy.

“I was a bit down for a few years after losing my lung and the chemotherapy, but getting involved with the Move More programme changed everything. It was just the fillip that I required. You know that you are not on your own and the camaraderie is unbelievable.”

Gerry said that everyone supports each other and he can’t wait to get back and see everyone again. 

But what he hasn’t revealed is if he fancies another crack and climbing the Eiffel tower in the meantime.