Young cancer patients from The Christie are getting active as part of a new pilot scheme launched by Active Lifestyles.

Active Lifestyles, part of Manchester City Council, has set up the project as a joint venture with the physiotherapy team from the teenage cancer unit at The Christie and The Northern in West Didsbury. The project is aimed at improving patients' physical ability through strength, flexibility, coordination and physical activity, whilst providing a social environment to meet other patients.

The much-reduced delivery costs have been paid for by a donation to the Christie charity.

Patient James Powell, 22, said; "Recovering from cancer is a difficult process and even though it's a year since my treatment finished, I still feel very weak and tired.

"Having a fitness session once a week forces you to make that extra effort and helps you get back into the real world. Just getting out and catching a bus is an achievement and that's all because of these sessions."

James from Altrincham, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in March 2009 and said the best thing is the variety of activities available to patients.

He added; "It's really tiring, but worth it because there is a real sense of achievement, knowing you are doing your best. Before I started attending, I never thought that would have been possible.

"My strength and stamina have improved massively since I started these sessions. I had been going out for regular walks and had felt fine, but after five minutes of tennis, I realised just how much the treatment had weakened me physically. I was exhausted.

"Over the last few weeks I have been getting stronger and even though I still get tired, I can now manage a couple of hours without too much difficulty. I now feel physically a lot stronger, and mentally I feel better too. Life after cancer can sometimes be just as difficult as the treatment process itself, but these sessions have helped make things easier."

Senior Physiotherapist for the teenage cancer unit, Nicola Chesman, said; "It is fantastic to see how much James, and all the other patients, have enjoyed these sessions.

"Improving physical ability is so important for our young cancer patients to enable them to regain independence and adjust to their life after a diagnosis of cancer."

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's executive member for culture and leisure, said; "This is a fantastic example of how the Manchester City Council partnership work undertaken by Active Lifestyles can create such a positive outcome for individuals and communities."

The teenage cancer trust unit at The Christie provides specialist care and facilities for young people between 16 and 24 years of age.

Active Lifestyles is a brand new service designed to get Manchester people active, from complete beginner to activity enthusiast. A huge citywide social marketing campaign will promote a range of ongoing campaigns and programmes to engage all Manchester people in becoming more physically active.

Active Lifestyles recognises that not all referrals from The Christie will be Manchester residents because of the nature of the facility, but the service still endeavours to provide participants with relevant information about how to lead an active lifestyle, and refer Manchester participants to an onwards pathway of Active Lifestyles programmes.

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