Football club community organisations (CCOs) are set to help cancer patients prepare for treatment.

From January, the Barrow AFC CCO will offer free 'prehab' training sessions to adult cancer patients, with the aim of improving their health and fitness before oncological care or surgery.

Emmanuel Angelo, Barrow AFC Community Foundation's community engagement officer, said: "I am excited to announce the launch of The Bluebirds cancer prehab pilot.

"Having experienced the difference first-hand between surgery with and without prehabilitation, I understand the vital role it plays in recovery.

"My first knee surgery left me unprepared both mentally and physically, leading to prolonged recovery.

"But with my second surgery, I approached recovery with focused preparation, nutrition, strength training, and mental resilience.

"This commitment transformed my recovery, helping me return to a full life far sooner than expected.

"With this programme, we aim to empower others to take control of their health journey and improve recovery outcomes."

The one-year pilot programme was launched in collaboration with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) Cancer Alliance.

It will see community organisations from eight English Football League sides, including Barrow AFC, host two-hour sessions aimed at encouraging patients to be more active.

The sessions will also offer a chance for social and mental wellbeing support.

Faye Bennett, cancer quality improvement lead for the Cancer Alliance, said: "Prehabilitation, or preventative rehabilitation, is well documented to improve quality of life for cancer patients and patient outcomes."

Susan Saul, clinical lead physiotherapist for prehabilitation, said: "Proven benefits of increasing fitness and optimising health ahead of surgery can include reduced side effects of treatment, a reduced risk of complications, shorter length of stay and a quicker recovery.

"There was very little service in our area, so we were looking at ways to offer prehab across our entire region.

"In working with all our Football League CCOs, we can do just that.

"I have been working with the organisations for around 18 months now, and we are all excited to be able to deliver this in January."

The sessions will begin with a group exercise customised to meet the needs of attendees.

The second half will provide an opportunity to relax with a cup of tea, and engage in conversations with support staff and other patients.

Patients aged 18 and over can self-refer, and details will be shared with oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and Macmillan staff at their local clubs.

As spaces are limited, and booking is essential.

Jane Reedy, cancer rehab Level 4 instructor at Bluebirds Cancer Prehab (Barrow AFC), said: "Having been through a challenging cancer journey myself and facing lifelong implications of treatment and surgery, I can relate to those on a cancer journey.

"I know that through these 'unchosen challenges', exercise can provide solace, confidence and become integral to our physical and mental wellbeing.

"It can give us the confidence, courage, and sense of calm to continue and enjoy 'our chosen challenges'.

"Whether this is running a marathon, walking the dog or playing with our children."