AN AWARD-winning activity programme specifically tailored for people with cancer is being rolled out across Northern Ireland, after being successfully trialled in a number of district council areas.
The Macmillan 'Move More' programme – which picked up the Coaching for an Active Life Award at the UK Coaching Awards in London in December – first launched in Ards and North Down in 2016 and now has eight council schemes in operation.
With around 63,000 people currently living with cancer in Northern Ireland, Laura McGrath, co-ordinator in the Newry, Mourne and Down area, says it is more important than ever for those who have finished treatment – and also those still going through it – to benefit from exercise.
"Activity helps the body combat the side effects of treatment and also helps reduce the chances of cancer returning and spreading," says Laura, who recently completed the Macmillan Level 4 Cancer Rehab training programme.
"Research has shown there are significant benefits of physical exercise during treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and with exercises specifically tailored to suit individual needs and preferences, there is something to suit everyone – whether it is dance, gardening or Tai Chi."
A bonus is the mutual empathy participants share with others on the same journey, with Laura stressing that the social aspect should not be underestimated.
"Sometimes I think people come more for the chats and the cups of tea or coffee afterwards, but, although it's all about the exercise, the social aspect really gives people a mental boost," she says.
"Often during treatment, people may not get out as much as they normally would, so moral support and encouragement is a big factor. The reaction from people has been great and, to be honest, the word 'cancer' is hardly ever mentioned."
The programme is designed for everyone with a cancer diagnosis, irrespective of cancer type and stage – Laura has welcomed one participant whose diagnosis was 10 years ago.
And, as well as cancer-specific exercise classes at Downpatrick and Newry leisure centres, there are opportunities to get out and about for group walks and other outdoor activities.
"We've been talking about organising a moonlit walk at Tollymore Forest Park, or having some Tai Chi and mindfulness classes by the river," she says. "It has also been suggested that we put forward a rowing team for this year's Dragon Boat race in Belfast, so Move More is about much more than being stuck inside a room in a leisure centre."
The target in her area for referrals this year was set at 100 and now 145 people are on the books, either through referrals from the health trust or via self referral.
"We are delighted that so many men and women are benefitting and enjoying a new lease of life through cancer-specific exercises," Laura adds. "For instance, for some breast cancer participants, the exercises would be adapted to suit any limitation in the arms, while, for others, the need might be for increased strengthening in the lower body."
A former line dancing champion with All-Ireland, European and World titles in her CV, Laura spent 10 years as a sport development officer in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area and she has also worked as a dance coach in a programme designed for older people, schoolchildren and young people with disabilities.
"Dance is another great form of exercise, whatever your age," says Laura, whose daughter, Clodagh (6) won an All-Ireland line dancing championship last year. "But, whatever form the exercise takes, the big thing I have seen, is that Move More is becoming a regular routine for people who are enjoying getting fitter, whatever stage of the cancer journey they are at.
"My father died from a brain tumour, so I was unsure at first how I would feel about doing this job, but it has been an absolute joy. It is so rewarding to help people with cancer get back into living again and see exercise put a big smile on their face."
:: For more information and to see an online Move More dvd, visit www.macmillan.org.uk
