Members of Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Cancer Rehabilitation group, which is run in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research have praised the programme for rebuilding their confidence and providing a platform to build towards a healthier future.
Running since the beginning of April at Xercise4Less Leeds North, up to 15 ladies who have been diagnosed with different forms of cancer have attended the programme designed to help improve physical and mental health following treatment.
Speaking about the programme, one attendee said: “As a Rhinos fan I was quite proud of their charity, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, for doing something like this, I’ve been a supporter of the Rhinos for around 12 years and since I got cancer I could no longer go and I found out about this programme and thought this is great because the club and their charity are doing something for me.”
The programme delivered in an all-female environment by Leeds Rhinos Foundation Health Improvement staff covers different elements of diet and exercise including overcoming barriers to exercise, setting realistic goals and managing fatigue with a focus on long term health changes.
Attendees also get to sample a range of taster activities throughout the programme which has included ball room dancing, walking netball and exercise sessions such as boxercise, tai chi, circuits, Zumba and tap dancing.
Another member said: “What has been important is being in an all-female environment with people with different forms of cancer, it’s been good to try something new every week, like Zumba, netball and various other activities that I have never tried before and because we are in a group setting I think we have spurred each other on and exceeded some of our goals, so it’s a real springboard to move onto something else once the programme finishes.”
“It’s given me some routine because while going through treatment it’s very hard work but this has helped me build up my stamina and I would recommend anyone to do it, it doesn’t matter what your fitness level is, what age you are or what kind of cancer, I’m just amazed that it’s a free programme and I can’t thank Yorkshire Cancer Research and Leeds Rhinos Foundation enough for putting it on.”
As part of the partnership between Yorkshire Cancer Research and Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the two charities will be running a total of four 12-week programmes during the next 12 months. Details of the next programme will be available soon.
For more information on the Cancer Rehabilitation course contact laura.buckle@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
For more information on Yorkshire Cancer Research visit their website by clicking here