Since its launch in 2024, the programme has seen over 380 patients actively participate in physical activity, with more than 100 completing the full prehabilitation course. Additionally, over 500 patients have received nutritional support, and over 270 have benefited from psychological and wellbeing services.
Alan, a 74-year-old from Wakefield, shared his story of how the programme was instrumental in his recovery from bowel cancer. After a positive screening test led to an early diagnosis, Alan was advised to improve his health and fitness for surgery. He described his previous lifestyle as being a "computer cabbage", spending most of his day sedentary.
Research indicates that regular exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment can significantly improve recovery, increase survival rates, and reduce the risk of recurrence. Active Together provides free, personalised fitness support delivered by qualified professionals to individuals following a cancer diagnosis.
Working with the Active Together team, Alan made substantial lifestyle changes, including stopping alcohol consumption, altering his diet, and exercising regularly. He lost approximately 25kg in preparation for his surgery. "It wasn't just physical. Mentally, I felt better too," Alan stated. "Getting your motivation back is hard, especially as you get older, but the programme helped me do that."
The programme, delivered by Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, operates across eight locations in North Kirklees and Wakefield. Alan also found strength in connecting with other patients, noting, "Once you get to know people, you realise everybody is going through something. You support each other."
Following successful surgery and a quicker-than-expected recovery, Alan, who is now cancer-free, remains committed to staying active. "Active Together wasn’t just an add-on," he said. "For me, it was a really important part of my treatment. Without it, I don't think I'd have done the exercise. It gave me the motivation to keep going."
