The Highbury-based charity Trekstock has won a National Health Award for its work supporting under-40s affected by cancer.
The charity was one of 10 winners at the 2022 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) IMPACT Awards, which celebrates the work of charities with an annual income under £120, 000 supporting the least privileged and diverse communities within the country.
Trekstock was founded in 2009 to help people in their 20s and 30s who have either been diagnosed with cancer or who are survivors living with the long-term effects of treatment.
In 2019, there were more than 12,000 cancer diagnoses among 20–39-year-olds in England, yet most mainstream cancer services focus their support on people aged over 60. NHS waiting times for cancer treatment are at a record high.
The Islington based charity runs weekly exercise classes nationally as part of its flagship RENEW programme, free for eligible participants for an eight-week period. The sessions are to better help this overlooked demographic of cancer sufferers and improve the fitness levels of young cancer patients.
Katie Pinnock, the head of GSK’s charitable division, praised Trekstock’s RENEW programme. She commented that “we were impressed with the strong evidence-base behind their exercise programme”.
A 2020 study found that 48 participants in the programme noted improvements in fatigue and sleep after completing the course.
As one of the GSK Award winners, Trekstock will now be able to access £40,000 in additional funding.
Reacting to the award Ian Boyd, the executive director of Trekstock, said – “getting diagnosed with cancer can often feel like you are becoming part of a club you never wanted to join, but through the support of the 2022 GSK IMPACT Awards, we aim to make that membership a little more supportive, connected and positive.”
