The Airedale Active Together service, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, provides personalised exercise programmes alongside nutrition and wellbeing support for people preparing for and recovering from cancer treatment.
Launched in September 2025, the service offers one-to-one support in clinic or gym settings, as well as three weekly exercise sessions.
It aims to help around 1,500 people over the next three years.
In its first year, the programme is supporting people diagnosed with bowel cancer, with plans to expand to include breast cancer.
In its second year, the service is expected to widen further to support people with lung and upper gastrointestinal cancers.
Referrals currently come from hospital healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons and cancer clinical nurse specialists.
GP referrals are expected to be introduced in later phases.
Sessions take place at Skipton General Hospital, Craven Leisure Centre, Keighley Leisure Centre and Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.
Weekly exercise classes are also held at Craven Leisure Centre, Highfield Community Centre in Keighley and St Margaret’s Church Hall in Ilkley.
For Norma Blagborough, from Bingley, the programme formed part of her preparation for surgery after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July 2025.
Following a referral from her hospital team, she began a tailored exercise and nutrition plan ahead of her operation.
Reflecting on her diagnosis, Norma said:
“Completely devastated is the only way to put it.
"I was really taken aback.
"I’d had a hysterectomy a few years ago after I was diagnosed with womb cancer and really wasn’t expecting to be diagnosed a second time.
"I was so nervous about going through the same process again.”
Norma worked with specialist physiotherapist Sophie from the Active Together Airedale team to improve her cardiovascular fitness and breathing ahead of surgery.
She said:
“Sophie encouraged me to start walking uphill and to push myself a bit more, getting out of breath to help improve my lung capacity.
“She was so encouraging, and I realised I could actually do a lot more than I thought.”
Norma’s operation was successful and she spent three days in hospital before returning home to continue her recovery.
More information about the Active Together programme is available via Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge
