When 68 year old Christine Law was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was worried about how she would maintain an active lifestyle following her treatment.

For Christine, a recommendation which put her in contact with Derby County Community Trust’s Active Recovery programme would change everything.

Now 71, Christine is three years on from her diagnosis and regularly attends five sessions per week, citing the social benefit as a huge draw.

“Physically it’s good for you, but the social side is brilliant – I can’t speak highly enough of the staff who help to break down barriers, manage anxieties and get everyone talking to one and other.

“We’ve all been in that position at the start of a cancer journey, so we understand each other, we appreciate what others in the group may be going through, good or bad, and are able to talk to each other and help people through.”

Christine had not long been part of the programme when the UK was placed into lockdown, however despite not being able to be with others, Derby County Community Trust moved sessions to online, which Christine believes had a major impact.

“It was all organised very quickly and professionally with the Zoom sessions, because we were at risk there was no rush to get back to in person and we were all able to stay active and focused during a time where it was very easy to just stop.”

Once restrictions were eased, sessions began returning to in person delivery, with participants being able to safely be sociable with others

“It's so nice to get out and about to see other people and speak to others – there’s never anybody miserable, it’s always a good laugh and I don’t quite know how we’d all feel without it.”  

Active Recovery