Do It For You

‘Do It For You’ is a fun, family centred activity day for children and young people who have received treatment for cancer or a bone marrow transplant at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The day has been developed jointly by staff in the Haematology and Oncology Department and Access Sport at The University of Sheffield.

It was established in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympics and has become a regular annual event at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

The benefits of exercise for childhood cancer survivors

Research has shown that survivors of childhood cancer have lower levels of physical fitness than their peers and this continues through into adult life, impacting on their future health.

Researchers have looked at how individual exercise programmes can improve the physical fitness of cancer survivors, but the benefits of these are often short-lived.

We wanted to take a broader view and find a way to encourage activity in children and young people at all stages of their cancer treatment or follow up.

By giving our patients the opportunity to have a go at lots of different activities during the day we hope they will find one or two that they would like to continue with their friends and families closer to home.

Safe and supportive environment

Do It For You allows patients to participate in sport and activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Staff from Sheffield Children’s Hospital and student volunteers from The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are on hand to encourage participation and of course join in.

On the day

Sporting activities have included football, rugby, cricket, cycling, rowing, archery, wheelchair basketball, boccia, athletics, cheerleading, dancing and a climbing wall.

There are also art and craft activities and an art wall and this year we are hoping to have a break out room for relaxation.

We also give our patients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, the opportunity to run, walk or wheel around the 400m track.

The children and young people are given a passport on the day to record the activities they take part in and they receive a medal in recognition of their achievements.

Feedback from families

“It was great seeing children having the best time and trying things they wouldn’t normally try”

“An amazing, inspirational day”

“This is an inspiring day, giving them confidence that they can do it!”

“Such a wonderful family day where we are all included”

“Atmosphere is brilliant”

“The chance for my daughter to try new things we might never have got the chance to…”

“Excellent day out for all the family”