A SCHEME to enable cancer patients to participate in a free exercise and activity programme, has received funding from the Wessex Cancer Trust, enabling 150 more people in Dorset to take part over the next twelve months.

More than 800 people have been referred to the Bournemouth Cancer Survivorship Programme (BACSUP) since it was launched in 2009 by The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RBCH), Bournemouth Borough Council, NHS Bournemouth and Poole, Macmillan Cancer Support, Dorset Cancer Network and Bournemouth University.

The nine-week programme of activity, advice and support is delivered by health and fitness specialists in leisure centres operated by leisure and cultural trust BH Live.

Sally Hall, chief executive of Wessex Cancer Trust, said: “Through our experience of supporting people living with cancer and through working with our knowledgeable partners, we recognise how valuable a project like this is for improving lives.

“Exercise can help reduce the side effects of treatment and plays a key part in improving health – something we are keen to promote.”

The programme is available to Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Foundation Trust patients and Poole NHS Foundation Trust patients.

For more information, visit livingwellchoices.co.uk/bacsup or telephone (01202) 436880.