A PIONEERING cancer exercise treatment programme which has supported more than 2,000 people across the county has been praised by the first Barnsley woman to take part.
The Active Together service, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, was rolled out in Barnsley after a trial in Sheffield - and it’s been deemed a success.
Yvonne Watson, 72, was the first person to receive support from Active Together in the town through Barnsley Hospital after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer last summer.
To help her prepare for the surgery she needed, Yvonne was quickly referred to the Active Together team, who carried out tests to establish her physical strength and then designed a personalised exercise plan.
By improving her fitness, Yvonne was able to lower her risk of complications from the operation.
The service also helped her recover from treatment sooner and build up strength afterwards.
Yvonne said: “At first, I was devastated to hear the news I had cancer.
“But once I was referred to Active Together, I felt much more positive going into my treatment.
“I found the initial assessments tricky, but the team encouraged me to complete them as best I could.
“I was really pleased to see how I progressed with my exercises at home each week.
“The Active Together team were with me every step of the way.
“Even when I was in intensive care after my surgery, they would come and check on me.
“I just felt comfortable and supported throughout my whole experience.
“The entire programme has helped me to feel much better, both physically and mentally, and I’ve taken away so many positive changes in my life from it.
“If offered the chance to, I would 100 per cent recommend anyone with cancer to take part in Active Together.”
Through the service, Yorkshire Cancer Research aims to demonstrate the lifesaving impact of personalised exercise to the worldwide cancer research community and to those who deliver cancer treatment, including the NHS, so that exercise can be prescribed to everyone with cancer.
Dr Stuart Griffiths, director of research at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Active Together supporting 2,000 people in our region marks a huge milestone, not only for the service but for the future of specialist cancer exercise services.
“The programme is underpinned by a growing body of scientific evidence that shows exercise can increase survival, improve recovery from treatment and reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
“Research around the world is demonstrating the transformative impact of exercise for people with cancer and it’s fantastic to see a new global study demonstrating that exercise can save lives.
“That’s why Yorkshire Cancer Research is committed to expanding Active Together to thousands more people across Yorkshire.
“The charity’s vision is that one day, everyone diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire, and beyond, can be prescribed exercise as part of their treatment.”
More information about the service and how it can help Barnsley residents who have recently been diagnosed with cancer can be found on the Yorkshire Cancer Research website.
