Young patients take a health and wellbeing retreat

A group of 25 teenagers and young adults went on a trip to Newquay for an afternoon of surf, sea and segway; to emphasise the importance of health and wellbeing following cancer treatment.

The group of young adults, both current and former patients, from the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service at Derriford Hospital, were treated to lunch, followed by a talk by Clinical Oncologist, Dr Steve Kelly about the importance of health and wellbeing following cancer diagnosis and treatment.

An afternoon of relaxation followed, with activities including: surfing lessons, Segway rides and walks on the beach. More chill-out time was available with makeovers by Boots and sessions with the Mustard Tree Macmillan Support Centre’s Reiki Therapist.

The event, which was held at Watergate Bay Hotel and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant, was deemed a resounding success, and was made possible by funding from the Teenage Cancer Trust and the support of CLIC Sargent, Richard Nobes. The event was organised by Liz Ridgway, Teenage and Young Adult’s Cancer Service and Ellie Ricketts, Living With and Beyond Cancer Service.

Liz Ridgway, Cancer Nurse Specialist for Teenagers and Young Adults said: “The aim of the day was to bring young people who are affected by cancer together in a relaxed environment, whereby they had the opportunity to meet others who had shared similar experiences, make new friends and connections and to try something different.”