Blackpool FC Community Trust has been awarded £15,000 as part of a consortium of eight Club charities to deliver a Cancer Prehab and Rehab Programme.
Building on the success of our Cancer Prehab sessions, which have been delivered weekly over the past 12 months, this project uses the power of community football clubs and club charities to support people affected by cancer through exercise, social connection, and peer support. It is designed around both prehabilitation (support before and during treatment) and rehabilitation (ongoing support after treatment). At both stages, the project helps participants to build physical strength, psychological resilience, and social networks that guide them through one of life’s most challenging journeys.
Lauren Cholmondeley, Community Engagement Manager at Blackpool FC Community Trust, said,
“We are incredibly proud to be involved in such a meaningful programme that will continue to make a difference in the lives of people facing a challenging time. The cancer prehab and rehab initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to support the health and wellbeing of our local community.”
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.
“The last 12 months have shown us how well received these sessions have been. It is fantastic to know that not only will they now continue for another year, but they will also include the opportunity of cancer rehab.”
Lesley, a lady who attended the sessions but also became a volunteer to support others, said,
“Keeping Fit and mindset, I believe that is the biggest thing. If you can deal with that then you can deal with pretty much anything.”
These sessions are an opportunity for people going through their cancer journey to come along, share their story, keep active, access support and speak to others, no matter what stage of their journey they are at.
This has been made possible as part of a community fund of over half a million pounds set up from donations from the EFL, its charitable arm, EFL in the Community and The FA. The Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance funded the initial 12-month programme and has provided a level of match funding in order to build on the great work the CCOs have done over the past 12 months.
For more information about this programme, please email: info@bfcct.co.uk
