Tom Gordon MP praises Active Against Cancer as a model for the national cancer care
Tom Gordon, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has praised the work of Active Against Cancer following a visit to the service this week, describing it as “exactly what modern, preventative and community healthcare should look like.”
Active Against Cancer is a unique, free health and wellbeing service for people living with cancer across the Harrogate district. Delivered as part of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, the service provides bespoke, individualised activity programmes for anyone with a confirmed cancer diagnosis, regardless of age or fitness level.
During his visit, Tom met with specialist physiotherapists and trainers to see first-hand how tailored exercise programmes are helping patients improve physical and mental wellbeing throughout their cancer journey. Patients receive an initial one-to-one consultation with a specialist physiotherapist, followed by personalised exercise plans and access to a wide range of supportive classes and activities.
“Exercise is increasingly recognised as a vital part of cancer care,” said Tom. “The evidence is clear that regular, supported physical activity can improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with cancer. What’s happening here in our district is best practice. We should be banging the drum for it nationally.”
The service is primarily based at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre, with additional provision including a site at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon, delivered in partnership with Active North Yorkshire.
Tom and the team discussed the Government’s national cancer plan and the need to go further in embedding prehabilitation and rehabilitation services into routine cancer care.
“At a national level, we talk about prevention, early intervention and care closer to home,” Tom added. “Active Against Cancer embodies those ambitions. It’s preventative care delivered in the community, representing excellent value for money and delivering better outcomes for patients.”
Active Against Cancer has highlighted several areas where further support would help secure and expand the service:
A clear commissioning route or directive for cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation services to ensure long-term sustainability.
Better access to wraparound support, including dietitians and psychologists, fully embedded within community-based cancer care.
Sustainable funding for additional community sites, such as Ripon, to improve accessibility and reduce health inequalities across the district.
A spokesperson for Active Against Cancer said:
“It was really heartening to welcome Tom and to see a politician with such a keen interest in public health taking the time to understand service provision for his constituents first-hand.
“We pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality, specialist service that supports patients to achieve better cancer outcomes, while also creating a positive ripple effect across the wider community by encouraging people to engage in physical activity. With a clear commissioning route for prehab and rehab services, better access to wraparound support such as dietetics and psychological care, and sustainable funding for additional community sites, we could secure and expand this vital service for the long term.”
Tom Gordon MP said:
“If we are serious about improving cancer outcomes and tackling health inequalities, services like Active Against Cancer must be supported and sustained. I will continue working with local NHS leaders and ministers to make the case for clearer commissioning pathways and long-term funding for prehab and rehab services.
“It was inspiring to see the dedication of the team and the tangible difference they are making to people’s lives. I look forward to returning and to championing their work both locally and nationally.”
Patients can be referred to Active Against Cancer by their cancer nurse specialist or can self-refer via the service’s website.
