The award-winning physical activity programme, aimed at supporting people living with and beyond cancer, took the top spot in the Integration Excellence category at the annual Macmillan Professionals conference in London earlier this month.

This category highlights exciting new initiatives, products and services, celebrating those who have improved the quality and experience of care for people affected by cancer.

As passionate advocated of the benefits of physical activity for people living with cancer, the trailblazing team members of Move More Aberdeen have improved the lives of many people living with, and beyond, a cancer diagnosis.

Move More Aberdeen is the first ever cancer-specific physical activity programme in the city and offers a person-centred package of activities including walks, gentle movement classes, circuit training and gardening.

Through forging new ways of working with NHS Grampian and embracing cross-sector collaboration, the team has successfully integrated physical activity into cancer care. This includes close working with local partners, including NHS Grampian, CLAN Cancer Support, Paths for All, Maggie’s Aberdeen and Friends of ANCHOR as well as training up a skilled volunteer workforce to further integrate the programme into the community.

Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen’s director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, said:

“I am extremely proud of the Move More Aberdeen team who are continually working to improve the lives of people living with, and beyond, cancer. Their commitment, dedication and innovative approach to achieving positive outcomes through physical activity is inspiring.

“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity and through partnership projects we are helping people of all abilities stay active within the community.”

Josefine Björkqvist, Macmillan Development Officer and coordinator for the programme said:

“It is an honour to receive this prestigious award and recognition of the strength of our partnership working in Aberdeen City.

“More than 350 people living with cancer have now been referred to the programme and we’ve been able to demonstrate an increase in fitness levels and strength, a decrease in fatigue and an overall improvement in quality of life for participants.”