Joe Wicks encourages hundreds of children and teenage cancer patients to get active

The free event, called 'Get Active', encourages patients who are receiving, and those that have completed, cancer, immunology and stem cell treatment, to try a range of inclusive sports including climbing walls, athletics, dancing and wheelchair basketball.

This year, fitness coach Joe Wicks surprised the 200 families in attendance. Joe led a PE-style warm-up to kick start the event and also participated in a question and answer panel about health and wellbeing.

Patients, their siblings and families, enjoyed the festival atmosphere of the day with face painting and ice cream. Following Joe Wicks’s warm-up and panel session, for the remainder of the fun-filled day, families participated in a range of activities thanks to volunteers from local and national clubs, and charities.

Run by GOSH’s dedicated Blood, Cells and Cancer team and the Olivia Hodson Cancer Fund, the annual day is part of the team’s work to improve the long-term recovery of patients by encouraging them to be more active.

Many children and young people treated for cancer and similar conditions experience short and long-term side effects. These may include reduced cardiovascular fitness and bone density, low self-esteem, fatigue, pain and loss of muscle.

Physical activity and exercise are increasingly shown to be one of the most effective ways of improving physical and psychological wellbeing of those undergoing treatment and reducing the side effects. As well as improving physical aspects, they can also improve sleep and appetite, help regulate mood and promote a sense of wellbeing and positivity.

As well as the Get Active event and various research projects to improve how active children are during their hospital treatment, the Physiotherapy team have also been leading on an exciting partnership between GOSH and Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. This opportunity, funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, pairs patients with world class athlete mentors to improve physical and psychological wellbeing. Read more about the mentoring scheme on our website.

Additionally, the team have been involved in helping to design GOSH’s new Children’s Cancer Centre. The centre will have larger bedrooms, more outdoor space, more play areas and a new therapy space. Visit our website for more information on the our current building programme for the Children’s Cancer Centre.

Lucy Waller, the Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist who co-organises the event, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Joe Wicks to Get Active! Joe has played such a big role in getting young people more active, and we are delighted he shared his time and expertise with our patients and families.”

"It can be difficult for children to stay active during and after cancer treatment, especially if they’re in hospital for long periods without much space and energy to run and play.

"But even a small amount of physical activity can boost their physical and psychosocial recovery, and so this event is about giving families the confidence to give new sports a try, and hopefully find an activity they love.

"We hope that after this event families can continue to enjoy being active both during their treatment and afterwards, and most of all have some fun!"