Many things have changed in the last year but, above all else, we remain committed to supporting our patients.
Kate, a mum-of-two from Etwall, has been living with breast cancer since 2014. She wants to tell you how the new virtual 'Move It' exercise classes have helped her.
Kate greets family at end of the London Marathon
Kate's story
"I used to do a lot of exercise. I ran the London Marathon in 2017 in just over five hours. It was an amazing experience – very tiring and the training was tough – but it was such an experience."
"However, I had what I thought was a knee injury and had to walk the final mile or so, because I was in so much pain; I believe now that it was probably referred pain from the [secondary] cancer in my hip but obviously I didn’t know this at the time."
The diagnosis knocked me for six
“The diagnosis knocked me for six because it forced me to stop doing what I loved doing. That’s why the ‘Move It To Strengthen It’ classes have been so good for me; my stamina has improved and my balance is a lot better. It has been a good morale boost for me and helps me both physically and mentally.”
'Move It' exercise classes
Kate initially took part in Treetops ‘Move It To Improve It’ sessions, which aim to get patients moving and promote independence. The ‘Move It To Strengthen It’ classes targeted at people like Kate who are more agile and are looking to increase balance and strength.
“Some of the exercises I do are things which I used to do in the gym and having the class at a set time every week means that I have to get up and out of bed in the morning; it helps with my motivation and makes me feel so much better, being able to exercise."
Kate with her family
You can just be yourself
“I can’t speak highly enough of Treetops; I have made a few very good friends – some who are sadly no longer with us – and Treetops is a place to go where you can just be yourself. You can talk about your diagnosis – or not. You know that you’re all in the same or similar situations and people just ‘get it’.
“All the staff are lovely and genuinely interested in how I am doing, how I feel. My husband has been a tower of strength but it’s lovely to have contact with the outside world from people who understand me whilst I’ve been shielding.”
More information about the exercise classes
We're here for you too
If you or someone you know could benefit from our exercise classes, fill in the form below or contact the Wellbeing Team on wellbeing@treetopshospice.org.uk or 0115 949 1264.
The exercise classes have been made possible through funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund with thanks to the Government.
