Lancashire and South Cumbria football CCOs unite for cancer ‘prehab’

Football club community organisations (CCOs) across Lancashire and South Cumbria are coming together to help people with cancer to prepare for treatment.

From January, the CCOs of the region’s eight English Football League sides will all be offering free ‘prehab’ training sessions to adult cancer patients with the goal of improving their health and fitness ahead of oncological care or surgery.

The one-year pilot programme, launched in collaboration with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) Cancer Alliance, will see the community organisations from Accrington Stanley, Barrow AFC, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool FC, Burnley FC, Fleetwood Town, Morecambe FC, and Preston North End hosting two-hour sessions aimed at encouraging patients to be more active as well as offering a chance for social and mental wellbeing support.

Faye Bennett, cancer quality improvement lead for the Cancer Alliance, said: “Prehabilitation, or preventative rehabilitation is well documented to improve quality of life for cancer patients and patient outcomes.”

Susan Saul, clinical lead physiotherapist for prehabilitation, said: “Proven benefits of increasing fitness and optimising health ahead of surgery can include reduced side effects of treatment, a reduced risk of complications, shorter length of stay and a quicker recovery.

“There was very little service in our area, so we were looking at ways to offer prehab across our entire region. In working with all our Football League CCOs, we can do just that. I have been working with the organisations for around 18 months now, and we are all excited to be able to deliver this in January.”

The sessions will consist of group exercise for the first half, tailored to suit the individuals in attendance. The second half will be a chance to sit down for a cup of tea and a chat with support staff and fellow patients.

Patients aged 18 and over will be able to self-refer onto the sessions, and oncologists, surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, multi-disciplinary teams, clinical reference groups and Macmillan staff will also have the details of the sessions taking place at their local clubs. As spaces are limited, booking is essential.

What the clubs say:

Lee Walsh, head of sport and health at Accrington Stanley Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this project; football can achieve so much in the community and this a great example of that. It is brilliant that we are going to be helping people and having a positive impact on their life. Having the mixture of physical activity and the social aspects of this project make it unique and we can’t wait to get started.”

Emmanuel Angelo, community engagement officer at Barrow AFC Community Foundation, said: “I am excited to announce the launch of The Bluebirds cancer prehab pilot. Having experienced the difference first-hand between surgery with and without prehabilitation, I understand the vital role it plays in recovery. My first knee surgery left me unprepared both mentally and physically, leading to prolonged recovery. But with my second surgery, I approached recovery with focused preparation, nutrition, strength training, and mental resilience. This commitment transformed my recovery, helping me return to a full life far sooner than expected. With this programme, we aim to empower others to take control of their health journey and improve recovery outcomes.”

Jane Reedy, cancer rehab Level 4 instructor at Bluebirds Cancer Prehab (Barrow AFC), said: “Having been through a challenging cancer journey myself and facing lifelong implications of treatment and surgery, I can relate to those on a cancer journey. I know that through these ‘unchosen challenges’ exercise can provide solace, confidence and become integral to our physical and mental wellbeing. It can give us the confidence, courage, and sense of calm to continue and enjoy ‘our chosen challenges’. Whether this is running a marathon, walking the dog or playing with our children.”

Fahima Iqbal, head of health and wellbeing at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, said: “Blackburn Rovers Community Trust are thrilled to be working in partnership with the ICB providing support to cancer patients in our community. The initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life of individuals through a quality prehab programme supporting their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.”

Dave Maclean, community engagement manager at Blackpool FC Community Trust, said: “At Blackpool FC Community Trust, we are incredibly proud to be involved in such a meaningful programme that will truly make a difference in the lives of people facing a challenging time. The cancer prehab initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to support the health and wellbeing of our local community. We are immensely grateful to the funders, the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, as well as to the local Macmillan hospital staff for their support in making this vital programme possible.”

Rowan Ardill, health and wellbeing manager at Burnley FC in the Community, said: “Burnley FC in the Community is proud to be part of the network of Club Community Organisations delivering cancer prehab sessions. Exercise plays a crucial role in helping cancer patients prepare for treatment, improving both physical and mental resilience. We believe that empowering individuals via a mixture of physical activity and chance to socialise in a positive and supportive environment can make a meaningful difference to their health and recovery journey.” 

John Hartley, chief executive officer at Fleetwood Town Community Trust, said: “The Community Trust will have a small but important part to play with our prehab cancer patients, with the aim of reducing the time spent in hospital post-surgery, increasing their levels of fitness and tolerance of treatment. The physical health benefits our session will provide are vitally important, however, the group also becomes a safe space for connection and friendships to blossom at some of the most difficult times imaginable.”

Stuart Glover, chief executive officer at Morecambe FC Community Foundation, said: “Morecambe FC’s Community Foundation is delighted to be part of this pan-Lancashire and South Cumbria cancer rehabilitation programme. Our weekly two-hour session will be held at The Mazuma Mobile Stadium, home of Morecambe FC, on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Trained, friendly staff will be on hand to provide a moderate intensity activity session followed a by a good brew and a natter with people on their health improvement journey.”

Grace Birtwell, health and wellbeing coordinator at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, said: “Preston North End Community and Education Trust are delighted to be working in partnership with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance and Macmillan Cancer Support on this amazing new cancer prehab programme. There is lots of evidence that supports the benefits of exercise as a key part of cancer treatment and we are excited to be offering a tailored physical activity programme, followed by a brew and a chat at Deepdale, the home of Preston North End Football Club.”

For full details of the available sessions, look out for posts on local NHS and the football clubs’ social media or ask your local cancer health professionals.