Wellingborough physio teams up with international charity to help more cancer patients

A Wellingborough physio is working with an international charity so more cancer patients can access rehabilitation as part of their recovery.

New Zealand's Pinc & Steel provides support to people affected by cancer, helping them take their first steps on the road to recovery.

They have been training medical professionals in cancer rehabilitation for two decades, but are now branching out with a growing number in the UK and Ireland.

This includes Fred Braithwaite from Stronglines Physio at Wellingborough's Nene Court, who has become the regional representative in the Midlands for the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehab Foundation UK/NI.

Fred said: "As a private physio practice we specialise in rehabilitating injury, post-surgical and returning people to sport and performance.

"Our skill set here transfers incredibly well to treating cancer patients.

"We’ve been offering Pinc & Steel’s cancer rehabilitation programmes for two years and have seen far-reaching benefits in the local community.

"Our goal is to see more cancer survivors from all walks of life come through our doors or connecting with us virtually to receive specialised support on their journey to wellness.

"We know the impact that we can make to help these people to live more after their diagnosis, and the new Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehab Foundation offers huge potential at this critical time for us to support many, many more.”

The Wellingborough clinic has seen how cancer rehabilitation has helped not only individuals but given hope back to families.

Cancer survivor Roy has experienced these benefits first-hand.

He said: “Cancer rehab has had a huge, immeasurable and critical impact on my life.

"Being able to access the Pinc & Steel programme has changed my whole cancer treatment journey.

"It went hand in hand with my medical oncology treatment and I believe should be a part of mainstream protocols."

Fred, who works alongside physiotherapist Tom Hewitt at Stronglines Physio, added: "We provide cancer rehab services.

"This is sports medicine aimed at creating specific physical change to combat the negative effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

"The effect on cancer patients is incredible.

"People whose lives and bodies have been absolutely destroyed by cancer can significantly change their predicament.

"The main message is that cancer rehab is not only safe but it prolongs life.

"We have a wealth of evidence saying that rehab improves quality of life, reduces risk of re-occurrence, improves strength and cardiovascular capacity while reducing mental health issues.

"This is relevant for cancer patients because, aside from the cancer and cancer treatment, they suffer from secondary issues such as weight gain/loss, cardiac problems, depression, anxiety – exercise improves all of these.

"The NHS does not yet provide these services.

"I have been working with Pinc & Steel for 18 months and love what they do.

"We are treating cancer patients and have seen first-hand what it does for them.

"As a result I have volunteered to be the regional representative in the Midlands for Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehab Foundation UK/NI.

"As part of this role our responsibility is to raise funds so that patients can access rehab services in the private sector free of charge.

"The other main issues is raising awareness and education that this service is so crucial and that people can have profound benefits from very cheap, very accessible avenues."

Pinc & Steel's chief executive Lou James is confident the new Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation can replicate the successes it has achieved in Australia and New Zealand.

She said: “I believe the foundation can make a critical difference to the gaps in oncology healthcare provision, and offer hope of a more optimal recovery to cancer patients across the UK and Ireland.”

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