Exercise classes help hospice patients 'feel good again'

Exercise programmes run by Risley-based charity Treetops Hospice have helped mum-of-two, Kate Belfield, ‘feel good again’ after she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2018. 

Kate said: “I used to do a lot of exercise, but my secondary cancer diagnosis knocked me for six. It forced me to stop doing what I loved doing but the ‘Move It To Strengthen It’ classes at Treetops have been so good for me; it’s been a good morale boost and helps me both physically and mentally.

“Some of the exercises we do are things that, before my diagnosis, I would do in the gym. 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.”

The weekly classes, for people with a life-limiting condition, cater for all abilities and mobility, as Nat Schofield, exercise facilitator at Treetops, explained:  “We have lots of different exercises including chair-based adapted Tai Chi and chair-based exercise. We also offer standing exercises and strength and balance session for those who are more mobile - we cater for all fitness abilities. 

“Exercise makes a massive difference to people’s physical and mental wellbeing and helps our patients to stay motivated. For anyone with life-limiting illnesses, the sessions help them to stay as independent as they can, for as long as possible. It also very empowering. 

“Every tiny little bit of exercise – whether that’s patients who are just rotating their ankles or who are taking part in the gentler chair-based Tai Chi sessions – helps. It’s very important to keep the heart rate going and keep blood pressure down. 

“We provide lots of services here at Treetops and provide exercise plans so that participants can go home and practice at home.” 

Weekly classes take place in the purpose-built Wellbeing Space at Treetops in Risley, set in 12.5 acres of countryside.  For more information, head to www.treetops.org.uk or call the Wellbeing Team on 0115 949 1264.