"A very gifted cancer recovery coach"

I am in my 70s and have spent the last 9 months coping with  prostate cancer and osteomyelitis in the context of 40 years as a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic.

In March I was admitted to the Belfast City Hospital Oncology Surgery Ward where Mr Rawlinson, Consultant Urological Surgeon, and his fantastic surgical team removed my prostate by robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

The operation was successful and I was referred to Joe, the BCH Cancer Centre’s Physical Activity Coach for a Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Cancer fit/Recovery Class.

This was a one hour per week for 12 weeks class directed by Joe in person and through Microsoft Teams to a small group of recovering cancer patients.

Joe’s instruction, patience, attention to detail, technical knowledge, and above all, his empathy was outstanding.

I have participated in many sports and different forms of exercise over the years and have rarely experienced such easy competence.

I know I can speak on behalf of the other participants when I say that Joe restored our confidence to live, our physical competence to exercise and attempt everyday tasks - and in doing so improved our general well being.

He is a very gifted cancer recovery coach. 

I am grateful to him.