Cancer patients in Lincolnshire are getting 'fighting fit'

People impacted by cancer in Lincolnshire have been benefitting from tailored fitness sessions.

The 'fighting fit' groups, ran by the Lincoln City Foundation, take place in eleven locations across the county and aim to help people regain strength and confidence.

"Saying things are life changing always sounds really grand, but for some people, it really is," said Alice Carter, from the Lincoln City Foundation.

"Both the feeling of actually being able to feel confident in their body again, to do things and being able to get back to doing things they perhaps did before they diagnosed.

"Whether that's physical activity related or just actually daily life tasks."

The hour and a half sessions, which include time for a coffee and a chat after training, take place in Canwick, North Hykeham, Lincoln, Mablethorpe, West Lindsey, Boston, Bourne, Market Rasen, Grantham, Skegness and Sleaford.

"People feel they're in a room of people that understand what they're going through," said Alice.

"They may have different diagnosis or different treatment plans, but everyone's kind got a shared connection in that way.

"I think the physical activity is a massive part of it, but then the fact that we also provide that space and time afterwards for peer support and connection."

"The communities that are formed are huge, the friendships and they can talk about things that maybe they don't feel like they want to talk about with friends or family," said Alice.

People at any stage of their cancer journey can join the sessions, either by referring themselves or being referred by a loved one online.

"So you don't have to feel scared that you're going to come in and be told to do X and Y, and think, 'I can't do that'.

"That's what we're there for, and we always say as well, if people are a little bit nervous about coming, come along and watch a class to start and stay for a coffee afterwards."