How Exercise and Nutrition Helped Cancer Patients

Karen, 51, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and underwent an eight-hour operation to remove the tumour before embarking on six months of preventative chemotherapy.

Prior to the operation she was referred to Active Together where a team of experts helped her prepare.

\"It was just absolutely wonderful, the exercises suited my pace with my pain levels,\" she said.

\"I didn't work out in a gym. I love to be in woodland so I did my exercises outdoors, which was really good for managing my anxiety prior to the surgery.

\"I wasn't familiar with hospitals. I'd never had a general anaesthetic. So, all of those anxious moments were pacified by a team of experts who were completely dedicated to looking after me, preparing me for that major surgery and helping me recover.

\"Within two months of surgery, I was at a music festival. My journey didn't finish there, it just helped me gain enough confidence to be able to go out and enjoy myself.\"

Karen returned to the scheme again during her chemotherapy.

\"I was given three exercise books and I remember thinking there was no way I was going to be able to get to the most advanced book, but I did because it went at my pace,\" she said.

\"There were days when I was absolutely exhausted but the exercise and nutrition meant I could manage during the chemotherapy.

\"My health now is brilliant. I'm so lucky. I'm still having scans but I remember all the tools and advice and still use them.\"