Staff from NHS Forth Valley’s Cancer and Physiotherapy Teams pulled on their running shoes to take part in a Maggie’s 5K Chase, raising money for Maggie’s Forth Valley and supporting a charity that plays a vital role in the lives of local people affected by cancer.

Representing NHS Forth Valley at the event were Lisa Dods and Stephanie Miller from the Core Cancer Team, alongside Fiona Mackie and Anya Tilley from the Physiotherapy Team.

The fundraising effort reflects the close partnership between NHS Forth Valley and Maggie’s Forth Valley, which is currently supporting the delivery of a new Cancer Prehabilitation Physical Activity Pilot. The six-week programme, based at Maggie’s Forth Valley, helps people living with cancer become physically and mentally prepared for treatment through specialist exercise sessions and personalised support.

Led by Anya Tilley, a Cancer Exercise Specialist, participants are supported to build their confidence and establish healthy habits that can continue beyond the programme. On completion, patients also receive a four-week membership at a local gym to help them maintain their activity levels.

Patients can be referred to the pilot through their Clinical Nurse Specialist, Maggie’s Centre, or the Macmillan One-to-One Team.

The project was developed by Lisa Dods, Macmillan Health Improvement Practitioner Specialist for Prehabilitation, and Robbie Meldrum, Health Improvement Physical Activity Lead with NHS Forth Valley, in partnership with Maggie’s, the University of Stirling’s Physiotherapy Department and MSc Physiotherapy students, Active Forth and Active Stirling.

Lisa Dods said: “We are incredibly grateful to Maggie’s for supporting this pilot and providing a welcoming space where patients can access specialist exercise support during a challenging time in their lives. Taking part in the Maggie’s 5K Chase was our way of giving something back and helping raise funds so that Maggie’s can continue providing its fantastic services to people affected by cancer across Forth Valley.”

Robbie Meldrum said: “This pilot will help people affected by cancer become more active and better prepared for treatment. The Health Improvement Team has provided funding to train a Level 4 Cancer Exercise Specialist, helping us deliver safe, evidence-based exercise support for people living with cancer.”

Research shows that appropriate physical activity before, during and after cancer treatment can improve physical fitness, muscle strength and emotional wellbeing, while also reducing fatigue, supporting recovery and helping to improve overall quality of life.

The pilot forms part of wider efforts to develop cancer prehabilitation services across Forth Valley. If successful, it is hoped the programme could be expanded to support cancer patients across the region, before and after treatment.

Fiona Mackie, AHP Coordinator for MSK Physiotherapy in NHS Forth Valley, said: “Physical activity can play an important role in helping people prepare for treatment and recover afterwards. This pilot brings together healthcare professionals and community partners to provide practical support that can make a real difference to patients’ lives.”

The Maggie’s 5K Chase brought together supporters from across the region to raise vital funds for Maggie’s Forth Valley. As well as helping to raise money for the charity, the NHS Forth Valley team used the event as an opportunity to highlight the new Cancer Prehabilitation Physical Activity Pilot and raise awareness of the benefits of staying active throughout the cancer journey.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Cancer Prehabilitation Physical Activity Pilot can speak to their Clinical Nurse Specialist, the Macmillan One-to-One Team, Maggie’s Forth Valley, or email fv.cancerprehabexercise@nhs.scot