Celebrity Health and Wellbeing Coach Mr Motivator has filmed videos with Lancaster University to help cancer patients prepare for surgery through exercising at home.
Derrick Evans MBE, known as Mr Motivator, rose to fame in the 1990s with appearances on breakfast TV show GMTV.
He has now filmed several videos with Lancaster University Medical School where he gives exercise tips to NHS patients to help improve their fitness before undergoing chemotherapy.
Mr Motivator was invited by Dr Chris Gaffney who is a Senior Lecturer in Integrative Physiology, where his work examines the benefits and mechanisms of “prehabilitation” for patients with cancer.
Prehabilitation includes exercise, nutrition and psychological and social interventions to optimise both physical and brain health before surgery or other treatment, such as chemotherapy.
Dr Gaffney said: “Cancer treatment including chemotherapy is a huge stress on the body and brain. Our work in prehabilitation is to protect against this stress and improve outcomes for cancer patients.”
Mr Motivator said: “Health challenges take us on a real journey - the ups, the downs, and everything in between. My videos are here to bring you guidance, information and fun, all wrapped up with great music to get you moving and, most importantly, make you feel good.
‘’I believe that movement and laughter are the best medicine. Put them into your daily life and you’ll boost your overall sense of wellbeing.”
This research project will examine how effective prehabilitation is before chemotherapy. One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is “chemobrain” and the project, funded by Northwest Cancer Research, is focused on understanding how prehabilitation might help prevent the negative effects of chemotherapy on the brain.
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “We are proud to support this innovative project, which has the potential to transform the way we prepare patients for chemotherapy.
‘’Understanding how prehabilitation can protect both physical and cognitive health is an exciting step forward. Research like this is vital in helping us improve quality of life for people affected by cancer across the Northwest.
‘’We’re grateful to Mr Motivator for helping raise awareness of this important work and for bringing his trademark enthusiasm to help support patients.”
Patients taking part in the research project will be able to access the videos through an online platform as part of the randomised controlled trial. If successful, the aim is to make this available across the NHS after the trial has finished.
Previous research by Lancaster University and East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust found that prehabilitation interventions of between one and four weeks can reduce cancer patients’ stay in hospital by 1.8 days compared with standard care.
New Maternity Triage and Bereavement Suite to open at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Lancaster MP joins calls for government to bring in social media ban for under 16s
New Lancaster group aims to support a better way of life on the water
Winter feast will celebrate milestone year for Lancaster district food projects
LISTEN: New lease of life for one of Lancaster's oldest pubs
Management of Lancaster student accommodation moves to new operator
Police release video footage of men wanted in connection with Lancaster attack
£800k funding pot will help Lancaster district residents stay warm and well all year round
Heritage plaque unveiled to celebrate achievement of Lancaster suffragette
LISTEN: Film festival in Morecambe going from strength to strength
Former Morecambe hotel and nightspot is unsold at auction
Family handing over to new couple after special time in charge at historic Lancaster pub
Family pays tribute to much-loved Morecambe man who died after A6 crash
Ten-year-old boy among youths arrested in investigation into attack on Lancaster pensioner
Police charge man with Lancaster robberies over Christmas
March to be held in Morecambe to support victims of violence against women
"Once in a generation moment" as Tour de France to visit Lancaster and Morecambe District
Morecambe FC CEO quizzed on future of manager Ashvir Singh Johal at fans' forum
Award winning restaurant to host pop-up at Lancaster & Morecambe College
Tributes paid to popular Lancaster businessman after his sudden death
