Making an ‘oarsome’ job of prehabilitation

A project funded by the Northern Cancer Alliance is supporting cancer patients in County Durham to improve their physical fitness and mental wellbeing before and during treatment through rowing.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) joined forces with Durham Amateur Rowing Club and Point North to offer group rowing sessions as part of its cancer prehabilitation programme.

Led by trained staff and volunteers, the sessions are tailored to support individuals at any level of fitness or treatment stage. Held in a friendly and inclusive environment, they focus on low-impact cardiovascular exercise and improving general fitness and flexibility. The sessions are designed not only to build strength and endurance but also to foster a sense of community and shared motivation among participants.

One participant, a 52-year-old man recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer, shared: “Before I even had a confirmed diagnosis, I had started making lifestyle changes. But it was the group sessions that made the biggest difference. These classes possibly helped save my life during the hardest part of my cancer journey. I was motivated to return each week – not just for the exercise, but for the laughter and sense of belonging. It felt like a safe place.”

Clare Doney, in her dual role as Lead Cancer Nurse for CDDFT and the Clinical Lead for Living With and Beyond Cancer for the Northern Cancer Alliance (NCA), said:

“I have been privileged to see this project from the point of conception to meeting with the first cohort of patients and hearing from them what an impact it has made.

“The collaboration between the four organisations has been fantastic and this is just one of a number of similar projects NCA has been able to support.

“The greatest feedback was all of the participants saying they will be continuing to row and meet weekly and seeing the enthusiasm they now have for a new hobby running alongside their recent cancer diagnosis.”

CDDFT’s Specialist Allied Health Professionals and Advanced Wellbeing Practitioners work closely with patients, tailoring treatment and care to their needs and building a supportive, encouraging atmosphere. As part of the Trust’s holistic approach to cancer care, these prehabilitation services aim to optimise patients’ resilience, reduce treatment complications and enhance recovery outcomes.

Cancer Prehabilitation Programme Manager, Joanne Peacock, said:

“The introduction of rowing to our prehab programme underscores our commitment to providing innovative, person-centred care options. It’s not just about preparing the body for treatment, it’s about lifting spirits and restoring confidence during an incredibly challenging time.”

“We thank our local rowing club partners in Durham for making this vision a reality and look forward to seeing the positive impact grow across our communities.

“This is community, care, and courage in action.”

The sessions were recently visited by Professor Richard Scothon, CDDFT Chairman, and Michael Laing, Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services at Durham County Council – both keen rowers themselves.

They met patients and staff to hear first-hand how the initiative is making a difference.