People united by cancer supporting one another

People united by cancer supporting one another

2 October 2024

IN the large sports hall at Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick, there is something very special happening.

A group of people from a diverse range of backgrounds from across the district — united by cancer — gather together every week to take part in the Macmillan Move More Programme.

They share a remarkable bond, the camaraderie is palpable and while for some their paths have only recently crossed, they have forged friendships for life.

There is love, support, laughter, a shoulder to lean on and a chance to share experiences with people who are on the same journey, facing the same challenges and walking in the same shoes.

The Move More Programme has been a huge success and is being extended to include Newcastle, with the enthusiasm of everyone involved in what is a fantastic initiative strikingly infectious.

Cancer is not the elephant in the room, with people openly talking about their personal journey and sharing their experiences with others who are undergoing treatment and have either had surgery or are preparing for it.

The innovative project is simply designed to help anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and living with the condition to get active and remain active. 

Those who took the first tentative steps to get involved in the local group have never looked back and are urging anyone who has been given a cancer diagnosis or post surgery to come along for a taster of what is involved.

Or just have a cuppa and a chat.

Laura McGrath runs the Down Leisure Centre event and covers the entire Newry, Mourne and Down area.

She said the initiative is open to anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis in the past, is going through treatment or been recently diagnosed.

Laura, who runs classes in Newry and Kilkeel and is looking forward to a new one starting in Newcastle this Friday, said she never ceases to be amazed by the people who take part and their support for others.

The class will be held in the Newcastle Centre at noon.

Launched six years ago, the Move More Programme has been a huge success, with many people admitting they don’t know how they would have coped without it and the overwhelming support from others who were in the same boat and whom they could relate to.

People can be referred to the programme by GPs, consultants, cancer specialists including Macmillan, or they can self refer themselves.

“It’s brilliant that people can self refer as they can speak to those who have used the service after they too made the decision to come along,” said Laura. “Anyone can contact me to join and take part and they can take things at their own pace.“

Laura leads a circuit-based class which is very laid back. People can do as much or as little as they want and they don’t have to be super fit to take part.

“We finish off with tea and coffee and that is the social aspect of it,” she explained.

“People who are facing the same issues can share with one another and we also organise trips away, walking events and organising coffee mornings in aid of Macmillan. It’s just brilliant.”

Since its launch in 2018, over 200 people have taken part in the Move More programme in Downpatrick and sometimes up to 40 people can be taking part which is pleasing as they are getting something out of it and they feel it’s important to take part, said Laura.

“The service is very well used. What is particularly pleasing is that a lot of people who have had a cancer diagnosis or are post-surgery are coming along because they have been talking to someone about what we do and have been encouraged to get involved,” she remarked.

“The feedback is brilliant. It really is. “People say it gives them something to get up for, they know everyone here and are meeting people who they previously would not have known but are now friends.”

Laura said people who are preparing for surgery find the service beneficial.

“They can talk to others who have been through surgery and treatment and come out the other side. They find that a tremendous help as they not only know what lies ahead, but that all members of the group are with them.

“We have had many people come to us pre-surgery, working to build up their strength and post-surgery they came back when they were fit and ready to do so and it’s just brilliant and they are more than happy to talk with others preparing to embark upon a similar journey.”

Laura said that through the Move More initiative she sees the amazing transformation in those who make use of the hour-long weekly service.

She explained that while the initiative was fully funded by Macmillan, the majority of finance is provided by the local council.

“We hold classes all year round and it’s really great to see people coming here. I get fantastic job satisfaction from what I do and it’s also very personal to me as well.

“I lost my daddy 17 years ago to a brain tumour and I have a lot of empathy and understanding for all the people who come here. It really is tremendous job satisfaction, watching people go through difficult journeys and come out the other side.”

Laura said it’s rewarding meeting new people and getting to know them and watch them forge friendships with others.

She added: “Cancer is a very personal journey for people, but it is amazing how they feed off and learn from so much from one another in an environment like this, forming a unique bond.

“Cancer is not talked about all the time here, but if people want do that they do.”

The coffee morning organised by Move More members last Thursday in aid of Macmillan has raised over £1,350 to date. The members would like to thank everyone who supported the event. 

To get in touch with Laura, telephone 07769 285574.