Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock visits Wheatfields to chat with palliative care patients about exercise

Sporting a cut head from the Jamie Jones-Buchanan testimonial and Rob Burrow fundraising match, Jamie visited the day therapy unit to chat to patients taking one of the hospice's specialist exercise programmes.

He spent time talking to them about the benefits of physical activity and how it can help promote a healthy mind set as well as their physical health.

Jamie said: “I enjoyed spending some time at the hospice today chatting to some of the patients making use of these great classes.

"Their positive outlook is fantastic to see and I’m sure regular exercise on a specialist programme such as this can only help them physically as well as mentally”.

Sue Ryder Wheatfields runs weekly physical activity programmes for palliative care patients and those living with a life limiting condition.

Ken Nassur, 60 has been attending the classes for almost a year.

Before his diagnosis with bone cancer five years ago he lived a very active life enjoying tennis, mountain biking, ski-ing and sailing.

Ken said that the weekly sessions have helped him focus on living as well as he can with his diagnosis.

He says: “I can’t do impact sports anymore which I miss a great deal.

"I am a person who likes to think positively and take opportunities so when this was offered to me I jumped at the chance.

“The physio team here are brilliant and offer great advice about exercises to help with any aches and pains.

"I also enjoy the social side of the classes. It is good to get out and meet new people in a similar situation to you.

“I would definitely recommend these classes to anyone who has the chance.

"I can honestly say they help me to live as well as I can.”

Sammy Greenwood is one of the specialist physiotherapists working at Sue Ryder Wheatfields who helps to deliver the programme.

Sammy said: These classes are of such a benefit to our patients here. We work closely with them to provide an all-round holistic approach to meet their needs and work with them on exercises which are catered to them as individuals.

“Over the weeks we see their strength and capabilities improve which helps them to live the very best life that they can. It is also such a social occasion.

"There are plenty of chats and laughs to go along with the class.

"It is a great way to help people not just with their condition but also if they are feeling socially isolated."

Anyone who would like to take part in the course of classes can ask their cancer nurse specialist to refer them to Sue Ryder Wheatfields day therapy unit to find out more information.