An activity group for cancer survivors has been awarded almost £2,000 to purchase new sports and recreation equipment to help them continue their recovery.
The activity group, who affectionately refer to themselves as the ‘Mac-Pack’, was set up 18 months ago by the council’s Sport, Play and Arts Service in partnership with the Macmillan Cancer Survivorship Team.
Based at Castle Hill Hospital the survivorship team supports cancer survivors of all ages on a clinical, physical and emotional level.
The grant of £1,994 has been awarded to the survivorship team from the Connecting Communities Grant Fund which is offered by the council in conjunction with the East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
Councillor Richard Harrap, portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said: “Beating cancer is an incredible challenge and achievement for anyone, so to be able to support those people who have been through it, by providing an opportunity to boost their physical and emotional well-being through such activity groups, is essential.
“This is a great example of how by working together the council and the Macmillan Survivorship Team are continuing to support cancer survivors in the East Riding.”
The money will be spent on new activity equipment, including items for New Age Kurling, boccia (soft bowls), and a giant Jenga, used by the activity group who meet every Tuesday afternoon at East Riding Leisure Haltemprice.
Sarah Guest, clinical nurse specialist, said: “The grant is fantastic news for us, as it means we can continue to offer people who have survived cancer a way to keep active, meet other people, and share experiences, with the aim of improving their well-being overall.”
Places in the group are limited but for further information contact community recreation officer Sarah Johnson on (01482) 392526 or email sarah.johnson@eastriding.gov.uk or Macmillan associate practitioner Claire Walker on (01482) 461091 or email Claire30.Walker@hey.nhs.uk
