Leeds Rhinos Foundation is set to provide a new rehabilitation programme in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research to support cancer patients in Leeds.
The new programme, to be delivered at Xercise4Less North, will be available to patients at different stages of cancer treatment, offering free health and fitness coaching and advice to help them increase their physical activity and improve their confidence with the long term aim of assisting in recovery from this disease. The two charities will run four 12-week programmes during the next 12 months.
The new partnership between the two charities was launched at Headingley Carnegie Stadium by Yorkshire Cancer Research Interim Chief Executive Dr Kathryn Scott and Leeds Rhinos Foundation Partnership Manager Dan Busfield and was supported by Leeds Rhinos star Mitch Garbutt and Chief Executive Gary Hetherington.
The partnership will also include community health checks at matches, education in schools and raising awareness of the importance of the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer among Rugby League fans.
Speaking about the rehabilitation programme Mitch Garbutt said: “Most people will know someone who has been impacted by cancer at some stage in their life and will know that any help they can get during that time is valuable. This is a wonderful initiative that will support people who are going through very difficult and testing times. We are proud to support these two great charities in their mission to help cancer patients and hope the rehabilitation programme is a success.”
Studies have shown that people tend to significantly reduce the amount of physical activity they do after being diagnosed with cancer and this can remain low for many years after their treatment is completed. Although the traditional approach has been that ‘rest is best’ during cancer treatment and rehabilitation, research suggests that low levels of physical activity in patients with cancer can result in symptoms of fatigue and a reduced quality of life.
Dan Busfield, Partnership Manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research, which has a proven track record for improving outcomes for cancer patients in Yorkshire, to offer this new rehabilitation programme for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
“Research indicates that even moderate exercise can have very positive results for people with cancer and we hope the varied programme we have put together will be a valuable service.”
The sessions will involve both educational content and a focus on exercise, introduced through taster activities to build confidence and improve the health and well-being of the attendees. There will also be a series of guest speakers on money management and health and diet advice.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Interim Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Our new partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation will play a vital role in helping us raise awareness of cancer among rugby fans of all ages and backgrounds.
“Working with sports clubs is a fantastic way of reaching people that we normally wouldn’t have contact with. Having a presence in local communities is essential in spreading our messages of living a healthy lifestyle, taking part in screening programmes, knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer and seeing your GP with any concerns.
“We are also very proud to be running our first cancer rehabilitation programme with the Foundation. This programme will have a huge impact on the quality of life of those who take part. Physical activity alongside support and advice during and after cancer treatment is an extremely important part of the recovery process, but can also help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and the risk of developing other long term conditions.”
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