"Being active is such an important part of recovering from cancer" - Pete's experience

79-year-old Pete Skinner from Knaresborough has enjoyed sports throughout his life. He practised judo competitively for over 30 years, representing Team Great Britain and winning a bronze medal at international master’s level. At 72 Pete finally retired from judo to spend more time playing golf, a favourite hobby of his. 

However, in January 2023, Pete’s active lifestyle ground to a halt after he was diagnosed with Stage 3 oesophagus and colon cancer.

“I went to the doctor for my regular health check-up and explained I had been feeling a little breathless at the time,” Pete said. “They found that the iron levels in my blood were low, so my GP suggested I have two tests - an endoscopy and a colonoscopy - to have a look inside my oesophagus and colon. Unfortunately, they found cancer in both those places.”

Pete continued: “It was quite scary, because my experience of cancer has mainly been seeing other people pass away. I was very worried I would follow a similar path. Thankfully though, my cancer was found early enough for something to be done about it.”

In June 2023, Pete underwent eight weeks of chemotherapy followed by a 14-hour operation to remove half of his bowel. The treatment was successful, and six months after his initial diagnosis, he was confirmed as cancer-free.  

Due to the treatment, Pete lost five stone in weight and surgery on his stomach impacted how much he could eat, meaning he struggled to regain any weight. Having previously been very physically fit from practising judo, Pete found it difficult to come to terms with the decline in his fitness levels. 

Then, Pete joined Active Together, a pioneering cancer exercise treatment programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research. Designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Active Together offers free, personalised fitness, nutrition and wellbeing support to help people prepare for and recover from cancer treatment.

Pete attended an initial appointment in February 2024 at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate. There, he met Kim Reeve, a member of the Active Together team who helps people affected by cancer get back on their feet.

Kim said: “Pete was the first person I supported after joining the Yorkshire Cancer Research Active Together team in Harrogate. He told me he wanted to build back the muscle mass he had lost from the treatment, and I assured him the Active Together programme could help him do that.” 

From there, Pete followed a 12-week programme tailored just for him, involving group exercise classes and one-to-one sessions. 12 weeks later, his fitness and strength had significantly improved. 

To give something back to the charity, Pete started volunteering at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Donation Centre in May 2024.

“Thanks to Active Together, I can now lift the crates and packages in the charity’s donation centre, sorting out the donations so they can be sent to the charity’s shops across the region. Volunteering is my way of saying thank you to Yorkshire Cancer Research for getting me back on my feet.”  

Kim said: “Watching Pete now use his regained strength to volunteer in the Donation Centre is so rewarding. Cancer exercise treatment brings huge physical and mental benefits, helping people recover from cancer. It’s remarkable to see the progress made by those taking part in Active Together.”

Many participants of the Active Together programme, including Pete, have been getting involved in various fundraising challenge events to raise funds for vital cancer research. This includes Yorkshire Cancer Research’s We Walk for Yorkshire 2025, a walking challenge for anyone who wants to keep active and help save lives in Yorkshire.  

To celebrate the charity’s 100th year anniversary, Yorkshire Cancer Research is encouraging everyone to step out this May and help raise £100,000 to bring more cancer cures to people in our region.  

Whether it’s one big hike in the Yorkshire countryside or multiple walks around the local town centre, the challenge can be adapted to fit all lifestyles and fitness levels.

Active Together team member Kim added: “We started doing group walks last year, offering routes with different distances and inclines so anyone who took part in Active Together could get involved. Walking is such an important part of wellbeing and getting outdoors in the sunshine is the perfect way to open up conversations, especially for people wanting to share their cancer experience.” 

Pete said: "Walking with Active Together members is a chance to enjoy the fresh air and meet people in a different environment. Being active is such an important part of recovery from cancer. For me, it’s also a chance to buddy up with the person next to you and learn more about what they’ve been through.”