What You Say About Us

Warm, welcoming and empathic

“We have been extremely fortunate to work in partnership with Richard over the last year and develop a bespoke prehabilitation and rehabilitation service for people affected by cancer.

Physical activity can have a significant and positive effect on how well people cope with treatment as well as supporting a quicker recovery. From the moment we refer our patients to Richard he ensures they have the personalised support and resources they need. Richard is warm, welcoming and empathic, his personal experience of cancer gives him a particular insight into how patients might be feeling and what they might need and the feedback we get is superb.

Richard has worked tirelessly with us to develop resources that offer our patients choice and access to support whatever their circumstances, his passion and enthusiasm is evident and it is a pleasure to collaborate with him. Aiming to ensure anyone affected by cancer has the physical, emotional and nutritional support they need to prepare them for treatment with a good recovery and quality of life afterwards.” Louise Smith - Macmillan deputy lead cancer nurse - East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals)

A very understanding teacher

“I’ve spent the whole of 2021 dealing with a diagnosis of Colon / Liver and Lung Cancer. My involvement with Richard and ‘Move More For Health’ came out of the blue during a consultancy with the Specialist/Macmillan personnel – I recognised I must get some exercise as this would certainly improve my mindset as well as physical benefits. I felt fantastic after my first class; it was made very clear that ‘it isn’t a competition’ and everybody took it at their own pace which was very good as all participants have a story similar to mine. Richard is a very understanding teacher who shows great empathy with all skill levels and individual capabilities.” Clive

Better fitness and self esteem

“After being referred to the Colorectal Unit at Ipswich Hospital for bowel cancer treatment by the Bowel Cancer Screening Service, I was contacted by the John Le Vay Cancer Support team at Ipswich hospital and asked if I would like to attend a Prehab/Rehab exercise course. The object of the course was to prepare me properly for surgery and thereafter to enhance and improve my recovery. I enrolled on the course and initially found the exercises to be moderately easy. However as part of the course I was given some exercises to modify and improve my breathing into a method which would induce me to relax more and therefore reduce stress. I used these new breathing techniques immediately prior to surgery and was more than sufficiently calm and mentally prepared for the operation. I also used the method upon my immediate recovery and found that as I relaxed during the exercise performed on my recovery ward bed, my pain decreased and was much more easily managed. I have been attending the course regularly since my surgery and I have steadily lost weight, gained better fitness and self esteem. The course itself is attended by others and is specifically designed to assist all patients of different capabilities. Participation in any of the exercises is never compulsory and is always left to the individual . During the session capabilities are never pushed leaving each of us free to decide for ourselves whether to stop or continue exercising. A system which all my fellow classmates greatly appreciate. I am deeply indebted to Course Leader Richard Farrar and his team at the John Le Vay Centre for providing such an enjoyable system of recuperation. I would highly recommend the course to all those people unfortunate enough to require it.” Keith

One to one sessions

“I have worked with Richard since April 2022, attending 1-1 sessions in the gym at Gilmour Piper. Initially we worked on getting my strength and shape back after a gruelling year of breast cancer and the treatments that enable you to enjoy a better future. As an athlete, I have always played sport (mainly hockey and at masters international level for Ireland), aware that working on fitness is key to my success and longevity in the sport. Having cancer take away my sporty form left me with wasted muscle mass and a chemo shell.

Through working with Richard and with his understanding of the effects of cancer, Richard plans a great session each week. I have managed to rebuild muscle mass and we are concentrating on strength and cardio fitness, fitness not just for hockey but fitness for life. Each week is tailored to get the most out of my ability and push me that little more to achieve my goals. Richard’s sessions are fun and realistic. He has a great way of getting the best from you, even when you don’t really feel energised. I always come away from a session buoyant and very well worked.” Maria

Safe hands

“Richard takes care of our patients and we know they are safe in his hands. He understands their individual needs and provides a safe and supportive environment to encourage each one to take ownership of their own physical and mental wellbeing. He is truly amazing with our patients.” Sue Spearman, Cancer Care Navigator and Shauna Craig, Cancer Support Administrator, Ipswich Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

A benefit

“I know that I have benefitted from the classes with Richard. I like the pace and structure of the class, with a warm-up, then onto more intense movement over the middle of the session, then a bit of ‘warming down’ towards the end. I like the use of the resistance Bands as well, I think they help to ensure exercise for more areas. Stephen

Complete focus and attention

“Following a secondary diagnosis for cancer and the need to have surgery, Richard helped me enormously with pre-habilitation training, a concept I had never heard of previously. Generally I was reasonably fit from running and pilates, but it was important to me to get my body in the best condition I could to be ready for the rigours of surgery. Richard takes the time to understand what treatment you are having and then develops a plan specific for your/those needs, there is also a really good App which allows you to train properly at home and give feedback direct to Richard. This is especially important when you see him for rehabilitation post surgery as he carefully monitors both the progress you make and any pain you may have. Thanks primarily to the pre-habilitation training, only a month after surgery I was able to start sessions with Richard and the progress was so well managed and monitored, that within ten weeks from coming home from hospital I was having my first run. My recovery has been far better and quicker than I had anticipated, and Richard played a vital and important role in this process. The one to one sessions are great fun, Richard has a character which is full of humour and professionalism, but always with complete focus and attention on what is happening in the session. Like many people my age, we all try and look after ourselves, so, even if you are fortunate enough not to have cancer or any similar debilitating illness, Richard and his methods of instruction, encouragement and drive would benefit anybody.” David - Suffolk

Great humour and warmth

“Before my breast cancer diagnosis, I considered myself an athlete, representing Ireland in the Over 50’s Masters hockey. Cancer treatments turned my body into an unrecognisable chemo shell. My body image really suffered. Through the John le Vay centre at Ipswich hospital, I was offered a light at the end of the tunnel in the Rehab cancer fitness course run by Richard. Richard’s sessions are excellent and my muscle memory is being reminded of what I used to love to do. Cardio and resistance exercises are carefully planned to help us work at a level that’s not too much and working at this level ensures an all round fitness and steady progress. Great humour and warmth is what you’ll get if you attend one of Richard’s sessions but you will be worked and encouraged all the way. The little light at the end of the tunnel is now a beacon of light and a real hope that my renewed fitness is just around the corner. Thanks Richard!” Maria

Treated as an individual

“Following a diagnosis which would involve colorectal surgery it was suggested attending a newly formed exercise class would be beneficial. As I considered myself to be pretty fit my first reaction was not to take up the option but having learned what the treatment involved I started to attend the classes. Right from the start it was reassuring to see that each person was treated as an individual with Richard frequently checking that somebody’s breathing was alright or if another person’s shoulder was comfortable. At no time was anybody pressured, with an emphasis on stopping rather than carrying on regardless. It soon became obvious to me that there were a lot of muscles and particularly breathing exercises which were benefiting me. There are I have discovered additional benefits such as extending the exercise routine for a replacement hip and more particularly pelvic floor exercises which are a great help following prostate cancer treatment.” Michael

Mental and physical benefits

“I have been treated for bowel and liver cancer since August and the exercise classes that I have attended with Richard have been beneficial both mentally and physically. Thanks for that.” Keith

Motivational, fun and inclusive

“I've been attending Richard's cancer rehabilitation classes for some time and have definitely found that, following major abdominal surgery, my core muscles are responding well and I feel stronger, fitter and generally healthier. Not only that, but Richard always imparts useful information, is motivational and - importantly - makes the sessions fun and inclusive. I really value the classes - even when we had to move to online.” Carolyn