“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.”

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!