Charity launches new project for cancer patients
The Macmillan Cancer Support charity has invested almost £130,000 to develop a project called Move More Renfrewshire.
This is a partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and was officially launched at Paisley’s Lagoon Leisure Cent re yesterday.
The activities, which are all free of charge, will not only help people cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, but also provide an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.
Trisha Hatt, Macmillan’s strategic partnership manager, said: “Traditionally, people have been told that rest was best and while it is right to rest at certain times, it is also really beneficial to get moving too.
“Research shows that being active during and after treatment can not only help with the side effects, but also reduce the loneliness and isolation many people feel.
“We realise people may feel nervous about building up their activity levels, particularly if it’s for the first time after treatment, or, if they haven’t been very active for a while. This is why Macmillan is working with Renfrewshire Leisure to provide this programme specifically for those affected by cancer.”
Chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, Joyce McKellar, added: “We’ll do all we can to help people affected by cancer in their treatment and recovery.”
Here, Express reporter Kenneth Speirs speaks to people who have had a cancer diagnosis and staff involved in the programme. Jenny McDonald is a colorectal nurse at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, looking after patients with bowel cancer.
“You just support them throughout their own journey, really. It’s not a death sentence,”she said.
Jenny says Move More Renfrewshire has played a huge role in keeping her patients well.
She added:“We know for people with cancer that it helps with your prognosis and it helps with your mental state as well.
“So, what we do now, is when the patient is diagnosed with bowel cancer, you discuss with them about Move More Renfrewshire, give them all the information and basically invite them to take part.
“I think they find it beneficial from two points of view.
“One, it can help take their mind off what they’re going through but also they’re meeting other people who are in the same boat as them.
“So, basically, they can chat.
“It gives them experience outwith the professionals, and they get support from each other.”