After completing cancer treatment, rebuilding confidence and returning to everyday life can be just as important as the treatment itself. Derby County Community Trust’s Active Recovery programme, delivered in partnership with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, supports people in the five years following cancer treatment to rebuild their fitness and confidence through free weekly sessions led by specialist cancer rehabilitation staff.

For Cath Harcula, 68, joining the programme in November 2024 has provided far more than a place to exercise. Following her breast cancer diagnosis, the Active Recovery programme has helped her regain her fitness while becoming part of a supportive community of people who understand the challenges of life after cancer.

Cath was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2024 and underwent surgery later that month. While waiting for further results to determine whether she would need additional surgery or chemotherapy, she describes the uncertainty as one of the most difficult parts of her journey.

Cath said: “I was pleased to have the surgery and for it to be successful, but I found the period of waiting and the uncertainty of not knowing what sort of treatment I was going to need very, very difficult.

“I think I’m quite used to always being in control of what’s happening, and I felt as if I didn’t have any control at all.”

While visiting the Macmillan Information Centre during this period, Cath was introduced to Derby County Community Trust’s Active Recovery programme.

Fortunately, her results showed she did not require chemotherapy or further surgery, although she completed a course of radiotherapy before beginning hormone therapy, which she continues today.

Like many people recovering from cancer treatment, Cath noticed her fitness had declined during her recovery and wanted to rebuild her strength before beginning further treatment.

She explained: “During that period of inactivity, I was losing my fitness and I didn’t really have any structure to my time. I did some research and all the recommendations were to try and improve your fitness because recovery from whatever treatment you were going to have would be better.

“So, I was looking for a way to improve my fitness and joining the Active Recovery classes was a really good way to start.”

Having attended yoga classes and been a member of a gym previously, Cath initially expected Active Recovery to be similar. Instead, she discovered something much more valuable. 

She said: “What I found was different was the community that you become part of – the camaraderie between everybody. It isn’t like you just go to class, do your class and come away.

“You get to make friends and get to know people. Everybody who’s here has been through something similar, so they’re all cancer experienced. They kind of know how you feel without you having to say anything about it, and that’s what makes the difference.”

Alongside improving her fitness, Cath says the friendships and support network she has built have become one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme.

“It’s wonderful to have that structure in my week. It’s great to be part of the community. The fitness is great and I love doing the yoga, but I also enjoy the chat with other people.

“Sometimes we’re just talking about the weather or football, but sometimes we talk about things like difficulties with getting travel insurance or parking at the hospital. There’s always somebody who’s got an answer for you, or equally you feel you’ve got information you can share and give something back to somebody else.

“So, it’s more of a community rather than just coming to a class.”

Cath also recalls attending a session while she was still undergoing radiotherapy treatment. Although fatigue meant she could only complete part of the class, she says the understanding and encouragement she received reinforced why the programme is so unique.

She explained: “I came to a class whilst I was going through my radiotherapy treatment. I could only do about 15 minutes before the fatigue hit me and I just couldn’t do it.

“But I could just say, ‘I’m sorry, I’ve had enough, I’ve got to go,’ and I didn’t feel judged or concerned. I don’t think I could have done that if I’d just gone to an ordinary class.”

Looking back on her experience, Cath would encourage anyone recovering from cancer treatment to take the first step and attend a session.

She said: “Just come and give it a try. It’s free, you’ve got nothing to lose. If it isn’t for you, you can leave, but I think people come and they stay because you get so much more out of it. You improve your fitness, but you become part of a community.”

For anyone beginning their recovery after cancer treatment, Cath hopes they know they don’t have to face it alone. 

“I’d want people to know that you can come here and feel safe. Going through cancer can knock your confidence, but you can come and just be yourself and do what you can do.