People with cancer in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven will now have access to Active Together, a cancer exercise treatment service.
The service was designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The service is delivered by cancer exercise specialists and physiotherapists at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.
It aims to help people prepare for and recover from treatment, with evidence showing that exercise can improve recovery, increase survival and reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Active Together is being embedded in local community settings, including Active North Yorkshire Skipton and The Leisure Centre in Keighley.
Since its launch in 2022, more than 2,000 people across Yorkshire have taken part, with participants reporting benefits such as reduced fatigue, improved fitness and lower levels of anxiety and low mood.
An evaluation by Sheffield Hallam University found that people who used the service were more likely to survive at least one year after diagnosis, with a 10 percent higher one-year survival rate compared to those who did not take part.
The programme in Airedale aims to support 1,470 people over the next three years.
Victoria Bates, from Oakworth, who exercised throughout her treatment for breast cancer, added:
“Continuing to exercise despite my diagnosis was, for me, the best thing I could have possibly done.
"Every time I went on a run, it gave me such a physical and psychological boost, and I would have really struggled to get back to fitness otherwise. "However, I know I would have benefited even more from a professional, personalised guiding hand, like Active Together.
"That’s why it’s fantastic the service is now available to other people going through cancer in my community.”
In the first year, it will be offered to those diagnosed with bowel cancer, expanding in later years to breast, lung and upper gastrointestinal cancers. People must currently be referred by their hospital care team, with GP referrals expected to be introduced in future phases.
Sir Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, added:
“I am pleased to see Yorkshire Cancer Research bringing the Active Together programme to Craven.
"This initiative is making a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer, and I am grateful for the charity’s continued commitment to improving health outcomes across our region.”
Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, said:
“This is a fantastic initiative for residents across our area, backed by scientific research and already making a difference up and down the UK in battling this cruel disease.
"A huge thank you to Yorkshire Cancer Research, the Active Together team, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and all the community venues getting involved locally.”
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
