A new Scottish charity has launched in partnership with Beatson Cancer Charity aiming to transform how patients prepare for and recover from cancer treatment.
In a first for Scotland, Prehab2Rehab provides specialist prehabilitation and rehabilitation support to people affected by cancer, helping them build physical and emotional resilience before treatment begins and supporting recovery afterwards.
The charity was co-founded by former professional footballer, Ludovic (Ludo) Wilson-Roy, who played professional Scottish football for 14 years between 1998 and 2012, including a stint as goalkeeper for St Mirren. Now a qualified Health Coach and Cancer Rehabilitation professional, Ludo established the initiative after identifying a growing gap in cancer care.
He has co-founded Prehab2Rehab alongside Liana Mullen, co-chair of the White Lily Fund, a West of Scotland charity that has raised £1.5m for breast cancer research. The White Lily Fund will provide some funding for Prehab2Rehab alongside part funding from Beatson Cancer Charity.
Prehab2Rehab combines physical training, nutritional advice and emotional wellbeing support alongside a patient’s clinical care, helping individuals feel more confident and better prepared from the moment of diagnosis. Patients are more able to tolerate surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy when equipped with this level of support and recovery is sped up thanks to the tailored programme.
Ludo began offering free prehabilitation support in 2023 while working alongside Professor Susan Moug at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, before developing the programme further through a pilot delivered in partnership with Beatson Cancer Charity in 2024.
Commenting on the launch, Ludo said: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact cancer treatment can have on individuals and their families. I wanted to offer holistic support that addresses the physical and psychological hurdles people face during an incredibly overwhelming time. Prehab2Rehab is designed for all stages of cancer diagnosis helping individuals to become stronger both mentally and physically, getting them back on their feet in more ways than one.”
All programmes are delivered by accredited cancer rehabilitation professionals working closely with clinicians at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Services will be delivered in person at the Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre at Gartnavel General Hospital, as well as at the Prehab2Rehab clinic on James Street in Paisley. Cancer patients from all hospitals will be able to access support online through live classes and one-to-one virtual coaching, or in person at the Paisley clinic.
Lynsey Daly (37) from Glasgow was supported by Ludo in 2023 while she battled breast cancer. Reflecting on the impact of the programme, she said: “Ludo gave me emotional, nutritional and physical support, building up my resilience so I knew what to expect. This ensured I was in a good place mentally when having surgery. Afterwards, he taught me how to walk confidently and sit and stand without holding onto something. I’m now back at work and run a 5k every Saturday. I would not be where I am today without his help. Prehab2Rehab has made such a difference to me and my whole family.”
Gillian Hailstones, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Prehab2Rehab Scotland as they launch this new charity. The early feedback from patients, families and clinical colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive, with clear benefits already being seen. This collaboration strengthens self-management, builds resilience and addresses unmet holistic needs within cancer care across the West of Scotland.”
For more information, visit www.prehab2rehab.org.uk or email support@prehab2rehabscotland.org
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