When Danny Fitzsimons was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, he faced a life-changing moment that left him uncertain about what the future would hold. 

The 65-year-old Derby County supporter joined Derby County Community Trust’s Active Recovery programme in May 2025 after receiving information about the scheme through the hospital following his diagnosis. 

Wanting to stay active and prepare himself for treatment, Danny saw the programme as an opportunity to improve his fitness while connecting with others going through similar experiences. 

“I wanted to get fit before I went into treatment,” Danny said.  

“In my pack that I got given at hospital when I got my diagnosis, it’s a Derby County one. Being a lifelong Derby County fan, I thought, well yeah, definitely, I’ll go for it. 

“I’ve never regretted it. It gives you something to do rather than sit at home moping about thinking, ‘I’m ill’. This has helped me no end.” 

Danny was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, which had spread to his pelvis and some areas of his bones. After seven months of chemotherapy, he now manages his condition through hormone therapy and medication. 

While treatment has brought challenges, including fatigue, Danny has remained determined to stay active and maintain a positive outlook. 

 “I’m living with cancer, but the fatigue levels sometimes catch up with me,” he explained. 

 “I’m quite an outdoor person and I still like to keep going. This keeps me fit, so yeah, I’m living with the disease and hopefully managing it and we’ll keep going as long as we can.” 

Through Active Recovery, Danny has built a weekly routine that includes fitness classes, gym sessions, community walks and fishing trips with other participants. 

He said: “I go to the fitness classes on a Monday afternoon, Tuesday dinner gym, Thursday dinner gym and then the community walk on a Friday morning. It’s been really good.” 

For Danny, the programme has provided more than just physical activity. It has created a supportive community where participants can share their experiences and support one another. 

“It’s nice to experience people opening up and telling you what they went through,” he said. “It is that community feeling. You just want to help people, people want to help you, so it’s just a nice mixture of people from all walks of life.” 

Danny also highlighted the support he has received from Active Recovery lead Lee Fearnley, who helped him feel comfortable from the beginning. 

“On a personal level, Lee’s fantastic. I don’t know how I’d have got through it because he’s always there on the end of the phone and he knows what to say to you. He’s so helpful.” 

Before joining the programme, Danny admitted that returning to a gym environment felt intimidating, but Active Recovery offered a welcoming and inclusive space: “It’s not one of those gyms where you feel intimidated. It’s definitely an all-inclusive gym and the activities are very inclusive.” 

Danny hopes his experience will encourage others living with cancer to take that first step and get involved.  

“It is nerve-wracking for a lot of people, but just try and get over that nervousness,” he said.  

“You don’t have to talk to anybody, just do your own thing. But if you want, there’s always somebody to talk to, whether it’s Lee or somebody in the group. 

“Just take that initial step. Email Lee, put your name down and just go step by step. You’ll find it’s a lot better than you think.” 

Reflecting on the impact Active Recovery has had on his life, Danny believes the programme has supported both his physical and mental wellbeing. 

He said: “Your treatment might be over, but your mental health, as well as your physical health, is very important. 

“Just give it a go. You do meet people and they can become lifelong friends or fleeting friends, but we’re all in it together. 

“It’s worth it, take it from me. It’s kept me going for the past year, hopefully for a lot more.”