Ask the Expert: Tom Fletcher
Tom Fletcher, specialist paediatric exercise therapist at Sheffield Children’s Hospital
Helping young cancer patients ride their way back to physical fitness
Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) supports children and young people living with and beyond cancer in the UK by giving them new, lightweight bikes, specially adapted trikes and cycling equipment. Liz Pharoah, CFC trustee and cancer exercise specialist, tells us more.
Fun sports day promotes physical activity for young patients in the South West
‘Make a Move!’ is a dedicated sports and activities day organised for children and young people who have been treated for cancer and blood disorders, under the care of Bristol Children’s Hospital. Kate Millar, paediatric physiotherapist at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, tells us more.
Surviving and thriving with exercise therapy
Saskia Wells was diagnosed with a brain tumour, aged 16. Now 18, she tells us about being one of the first patients in the UK to receive one-to-one exercise therapy support through the Active Hospitals project, funded by Public Health England and Sport England, at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Empowering children and young people to move again after a cancer diagnosis
Supershoes is a national charity that helps children and young people become active again after a cancer diagnosis. Its founder and CEO, Sarah White, tells us how it provides young patients with a pair of specially crafted shoes designed to encourage them to move.
Pioneering PE project helps normalise movement while in hospital
Brainbow is a specialist rehabilitation service for children with brain tumours based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Becca Knowles, specialist paediatric physiotherapist, tells us about its pilot project employing a PE teacher within its hospital school.
Research Focus: How can we help childhood cancer survivors get active?
Promoting physical activity in childhood cancer survivors: Using qualitative and co-design methods to inform the development of an evidence-based intervention.
Exercise pathways in paediatric oncology, from hospital to school
Dr Peter Wright, Hayley Marriott and Dr Alba Solera-Sanchez, researchers at Oxford Brookes University, explain the benefits of staying physically active during and after treatment and explore how we can work collaboratively to improve physical activity pathways and support for children and young people.
How my cancer journey fuelled my strength and determination to succeed in sport
Jake Heasman was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was two years old, leaving him visually impaired. He tells us how his experiences of cancer helped drive him on to sporting success.