We are please to announce that our weekly cancer support sessions will continue, following the success of a recent pilot project that received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. ‘Stanley V Cancer’ launches in Jan 2026.
The original pilot project was specifically aimed at cancer prehabilitation, supporting individuals ahead of treatment to improve physical wellbeing and confidence. Due to the success of the pilot and growing demand within the community, the sessions will now be expanded to include cancer rehabilitation, supporting individuals during and after treatment as well.
The Stanley V Cancer sessions form part of the wider V Cancer network, which brings together professional football club charities across the region, including Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Preston North End, Blackpool, Fleetwood Town, Morecambe and Barrow. The network works collaboratively to provide high-quality, community-based support for people living with cancer.
The weekly sessions provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for individuals affected by cancer, combining tailored physical activity with opportunities for social connection and wellbeing support. Strong attendance levels and positive participant feedback highlighted the value of the sessions, leading to the decision to continue and expand the programme into the new year.
The continuation of Stanley V Cancer has been made possible through funding from a community fund of over half a million pounds, created from donations from the English Football League (EFL), its charitable arm EFL in the Community, and The FA, alongside continued support from the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance.
The sessions will resume in January and will take place every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm at Stanley Sports Hub, offering participants the opportunity to stay active, connect with others who share similar experiences, and access ongoing support in an inclusive and relaxed setting. The programme is delivered by experienced staff trained to support health and wellbeing.
Macmillan Clinical Lead Physiotherapist for Prehabilitation Susan Saul said:
“We are delighted that the cancer prehabilitation sessions, originally pump-primed by the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, will not only continue for another year but will also expand to include cancer rehabilitation. These sessions provide significant benefits for people living with cancer in our region, combining tailored exercise with vital social wellbeing support. This progress has been made possible through the continued partnership and funding from both EFL in the Community and the Cancer Alliance.”
The continuation and expansion of Stanley V Cancer reflects Accrington Stanley Community Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering accessible, community-based support across the local community.
Sue who has been attending the pilot project explained;
”Being able to meet and exercise with people who know what you’re going through and staff who are so supportive is invaluable. Shared experience enables us to push on. Coping with Cancer treatment and the side effects can really knock your confidence and make you feel vulnerable. Coming to these sessions each week helps me to feel like I’m getting back to myself.”
If you think Stanley V Cancer could help you are someone you know, please fill out this online form, a member of the team will the be in touch with more information:
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For more information about Stanley V Cancer, please contact lee.walsh@stanleytrust.co.uk 01254 475013