Students make real difference to people's lives

LEARNERS WORKING ALONGSIDE CANCER PREHABILITATION TEAM

- By GAZETTE REPORTER

IT’S not often college students get to undertake a work placement that they can honestly say is making a real difference.

But by combining their love of exercise and fitness with a compassionate ear, Ben Mannion and Livie Roberts are getting to do just that.

The Bede Sixth Form College students are working with University Hospitals Tees’ new prehabilitation service to help support those with cancer to get as fit as possible in preparation for treatment.

“It is an incredible feeling to know that you are helping and to see people’s fitness increasing,” said Ben, 17, of Stockton.

“Already, I have seen cases where people have struggled to walk up just a few stairs in their first session to walking up easily in a matter of weeks.”

Studying sport and exercise science at Bede, Ben and Livie are well versed in the physical and mental benefits of exercise.