As a charity we are incredibly proud to fund an exercise programme specifically tailored to support patients going through their cancer treatment. 

Patients like Ann McBrien from Belfast who has advanced breast cancer. After the initial distress of a terminal diagnosis, Ann was proactive in making changes to her life to ensure she could live as full and positive a life as possible, despite the limitations imposed by her disease.

From the outset, Ann’s oncologist, Dr Mc Aleer, was very positive about the benefits of exercise and encouraged her to take up new interests to keep active. Research evidence shows that exercise can help increase the efficacy of cancer treatments and reduce the side effects.

Ann joined the 12-week cancer exercise programme run by Joe Sirichas, a clinical exercise specialist funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre. The programme provided safe, tailored, strength-based activities which helped build stamina and complemented her daily walks.

Upon successfully completing the programme, Ann participated in a six-month clinical trial called ‘Safefit’ with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, followed by an exercise retreat on Saddleworth Moors run by ABCDiagnosis.

Ann says:

“The programme funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre was perfect in those early days after diagnosis. It helped both physically and psychologically – building strength and resilience, and seeing progress was hugely beneficial. Those initial small steps were exactly what I needed.  I am now part of Ormeau Runners Club, I participate in a Nordic Walking group and enjoy yoga several times a week. I am the Patient Ambassador for 5kYourWay – Move Against Cancer, a Park Run/Walk initiative which is specifically tailored for cancer patients and their families and friends.

“I couldn’t recommend enough the exercise programme operated by Friends of the Cancer Centre for patients going through cancer treatment, particularly patients with advanced cancers.  People living with advanced cancer like me want to make the most of every day, and keeping active very much helps with that.”

Ann is an accountant and previously worked in the NHS. She recently delivered a well-being talk to finance staff on the benefits of exercise and what can be achieved by small steady steps. Ann kindly donated the £150 gift from the Healthcare Financial Management Association, which sponsored the event, to Friends of the Cancer Centre.