For many people living with and beyond cancer, staying active can be a challenge, and yet it plays such a vital role in recovery.
Macmillan reports that only 23% of people affected by cancer are active at recommended levels, while 31% are inactive. Regular physical activity can reduce cancer‑related fatigue, improve mood, support weight management and help people regain confidence after treatment.
In Stourport, a weekly cancer rehabilitation coffee group led by Always Active and supported by a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant, is helping residents experience these benefits in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Each 90‑minute session combines 45 minutes of gentle, tailored exercise with 45 minutes of social time, giving participants space to build strength, share experiences and connect with others who understand what they are going through.
The group has already seen people discover new ways to stay active, regain mobility and rebuild confidence. For 65‑year‑old Peter McClure, the sessions became a crucial part of preparing for and recovering from prostate cancer treatment.
Peter, who lives just outside Dunley, had always enjoyed an active lifestyle. Walking holidays, golf and gardening were part of his weekly routine. But everything changed when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2025.
“I was an active and fairly fit 65‑year‑old,” he said. “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a PSA test that I had requested with my GP surgery, following some discussions with a close friend who had been diagnosed and my former Biology teacher, who is undergoing treatment for stage 4 prostate cancer.”
Ahead of his surgery, Peter was advised to lose weight. Determined to put himself in the best possible position, he joined the Stourport exercise classes in June 2025.
“I started attending the Active Always exercise classes with the intention of getting more fit and losing weight before my operation that was due in August. I had already started more exercises at home in my garage before June but wanted some additional support to increase my activities to help me lose weight more quickly.”
The group environment made a meaningful difference.
“The exercise classes were beneficial right from the start, since I was doing exercises that I was not doing at home and doing these exercises in a class environment made it more enjoyable. In addition, I was able to talk with other individuals who had been through cancer treatment to learn about their experiences and this helped me to prepare for the forthcoming surgery.”
Alongside the classes, Peter also began attending walking football sessions – another activity recommended through the group. Together, these helped him reach his target weight loss before surgery.
“Through the exercise classes and walking football sessions, I managed to achieve the target weight loss before surgery in August. Following surgery, I am certain that the fitness level I had achieved beforehand put me in a very good position to recover more easily.”
By October, Peter was back to exercising, walking football and playing golf. He says the benefits have been both physical and emotional.
“I clearly benefitted from the exercise classes and walking football sessions in terms of fitness and agility but also benefitted from sharing experiences of fellow cancer patients. The classes and football sessions create opportunities to improve mental health and wellbeing, in addition to improving physical fitness.”
Today, Peter feels stronger than he did before his diagnosis.
“I am now much fitter than I was prior to my cancer diagnosis and I have managed to keep my weight down since surgery. I am doing more activities than I was doing before being diagnosed and with the people I have met during the past 12 months, this has allowed me to appreciate the support available in Worcestershire and comradery of fellow cancer patients.”
He continues to stay active through walking, home exercises and golf, and attends regular PSA checks.
“Living in Worcestershire has made the experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment much more tolerable than it might have otherwise been. I haven’t experienced any barriers – everyone has been welcoming, caring and considerate.”
The Stourport cancer rehab coffee group continues to offer a safe, friendly and motivating space for people to rebuild strength and confidence at their own pace helping more residents experience the physical and emotional benefits of staying active after cancer.
To learn more about community wellbeing projects across Worcestershire, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants