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Diving Back In: Cancer Rehab Is Changing Lives
Since the beginning of our Cancer Rehab programme, it’s been incredible to witness the power of rehabilitation and dedicated support, and sometimes, the most impactful stories come directly from those whose lives have been touched. We recently received a heartfelt message from one of our cancer rehab members that perfectly illustrates the positive outcomes our gym team, and specifically Sarah, can achieve:
“I would like to thank Sarah & her team at the YMCA for their help in getting me back to a hobby I never thought I’d be able to do again. At the age of 61, having undergone surgery on my knee and hand, and then receiving a cancer diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, morale was low and walking was a struggle. I was convinced my scuba diving days were over! Sarah encouraged me to think otherwise, researching and arranging a rehabilitation programme to specifically target the goal of building up my strength to improve walking and ultimately target the goal of getting back to diving.
Knowing someone cared enough to make those efforts makes a difference. My strength has indeed grown and the efforts have paid off. I’ve just come back from a week of scuba diving in the Red Sea with a great group of dive friends, managing 14 dives over the week. Getting back to a hobby I love, with people I love, has been a massive shot in the arm for my confidence and well-being. That’s down to the efforts of Sarah and her team who encouraged me to set and achieve a goal I had previously given up on. I can’t praise them enough. Thank you.
Time to set a new goal and see if we can get there.”
This is a brilliant reminder of why we do what we do. Our team goes beyond providing fitness instruction, they work hard to create an environment of personalised support and encouragement. They empower individuals to set and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach, helping them rediscover passions and improve their quality of life.
Sarah, Deputy Gym Manager and Cancer Rehab Instructor said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of Ken and the team. Ken was told by the hospital team he wouldn’t be able to dive again due to his serious injuries and cancer diagnosis, but with a little bit of research and guidance, he overcame the impossible. This is really just one story of many. I am so proud of the gym team…Ken’s picture says it all.”
At YMCA Gym, we’re dedicated to improving the quality of life of those experiencing cancer, and showing that recovery is an active process with the help of specialist instructors. If you or someone you know could benefit from the programme, please visit our website to find out more, or alternatively, contact us at ymcagym@ymcanorthtyneside.org. You might be surprised at what you can achieve!
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