Move More wants more participants

A fitness programme and activity advice service, which helps people living with and beyond cancer become more active, is looking for new members from West Lancashire.

“Move More” helps people with a diagnosis of cancer to find effective ways to get and stay active, no matter where they are on their cancer journey, including those who have completed treatment.

Launched in Autumn 2015, it is a joint initiative between Macmillan Cancer Support, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

More than 60 people have been through the service.

The cancer specific classes take place on Mondays and Fridays 1.15-2.30pm and 2.30-3.45pm at Ormskirk Hospital.

One-to-one sessions also take place throughout the week.

Move More is run by Melanie Reardon, Macmillan physical activity manager, with Tim Horn, Macmillan physical activity physiotherapist and Ann Prescott, Macmillan physical activity assistant practitioner.

Melanie said: “We’ve had a really good response since launching Move More in September 2015. The service is designed to get people active to give them a better quality of life.

“Physical activity has lots of health benefits and also contributes to social and mental wellbeing. We’d love to see even more people at the sessions.

“We are also able to assess the needs of each individual and can often refer them to other services that could be of benefit.”

Pauline Egan, from Skelmersdale, has been attending the fitness sessions since February. She said: “Move More has been brilliant in increasing my fitness and in giving me more confidence. There is also the social side of things too. It’s great to meet people and we like to catch-up each week.”

If you live in West Lancashire, are affected by cancer, you can find out about “Move More” on 01695 656268 via email soh-tr.odgh-physio@nhs.net or contact your GP.