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.
Lancaster wills company donates thousands to help local community groups making a difference
Morecambe Bay Curriculum wins top award
Lancaster film director's latest action movie now showing in UK cinemas
Appeal after Jack Russell dog found collapsed in Lancaster
Lancaster food companies announced as finalists in new Taste Lancashire Producer Awards
New student apartments block opens in Lancaster
Former BBC reporter and ex-Heysham shipping chief launch popular maritime podcast
Lancaster children get life-saving advice at 'Crucial Crew' water safety event
Crews tackle house fire in Heysham
Police appeal after 20 motorbike thefts in 30 days in Lancaster and Morecambe area
Truck driver jailed for causing death of six-year-old Lancaster girl
Former Morecambe Football Club co-chairmen break silence after shock resignation from board
Royal Lancaster Infirmary ward closed to visitors due to norovirus outbreak
Morecambe Football Club stalwarts resign from board
Heysham coffee shop couple take over Morecambe craft ale bar
Morecambe seafront cafe reopens
Eighty new houses in Halton recommended for green light
More than 600 knives recovered in area including Lancaster district as part of police national crackdown
Extra urgent NHS dental appointments now available in Lancaster district
New wellness cafe opens in Lancaster city centre
