Rea's Story

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Rea’s active lifestyle went from a being hobby, to her lifeline. With the help of S&C Coach, Tom Williams, she was able to remain active throughout her chemotherapy treatment, supporting both her physical and mental health.

At the age of 29, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Suddenly, the healthy and active lifestyle I had always taken for granted became my lifeline. Facing six months of chemotherapy, I knew I had to do everything possible to maintain my physical health and energy levels. Exercise wasn’t just a routine anymore; it was a vital part of my fight against cancer.

In the midst of this challenging journey, I found Pure Sports Medicine and started working with Tom, an exceptional Strength & Conditioning Coach. Tom understood the unique demands of my situation and tailored a strength training regimen specifically for me. Our sessions focused on maintaining my strength and overall fitness, providing a crucial boost to my physical and mental well-being during chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, the cancer wasn’t beaten in one go. I needed additional rounds of chemotherapy and eventually a stem cell transplant. Throughout this extended multi-year battle, Tom was always there, providing a friendly face and a thoughtful understanding of what I was going through. 

His unwavering support and expertise made a significant difference. He even created exercises I could do while in the hospital for my transplant, ensuring that I could stay active and engaged no matter the circumstances. 

Tom’s dedication played a key role in helping me navigate one of the toughest periods of my life.

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I decided to come to Pure Sports Medicine based on a recommendation from a friend who had trained with one of their physios following a car accident. My friend spoke highly of their professional expertise, personalised care, and the supportive environment they provide. Hearing about their positive experience gave me confidence that Pure Sports Medicine was the right choice for my needs.

I was looking for a place where I could receive specialised attention and a tailored exercise program to support my health during chemotherapy, and Pure Sports Medicine definitely met my expectations.

At the beginning of my treatment, I was just happy to have some structure and accountability around my exercise routine. 

I knew that maintaining physical activity was crucial, but I also anticipated that there would be times when I would feel tired or weaker due to chemotherapy. Having Tom there to keep track of things was incredibly reassuring. He ensured that I was doing enough to maintain my strength without overexerting myself. This balance helped me stay committed to my fitness goals and provided a sense of stability and control during a challenging time.

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The sessions were a real highlight of my week. I’ve always enjoyed weight training, and having Tom there ensured I wasn’t hurting myself or doing anything counterproductive. His expertise and attentive guidance allowed me to focus on my workouts confidently. 

Our sessions would go by quickly as we chatted about everything, from how my treatment was progressing to more fun topics like Taylor Swift! Tom’s positive energy and genuine interest in my well-being made each session enjoyable and motivating.

The benefits I’ve experienced from my treatment with Tom at Pure Sports Medicine have been immense, both mentally and physically. 

Despite the extensive treatments I’ve undergone over the past few years, I’ve been able to maintain good fitness levels. Exercising has become a source of enjoyment and empowerment for me. 

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly destabilising, bringing a lot of unpredictability and uncertainty. Having small things that help you feel a sense of power and control is crucial. 

Maintaining a regular exercise routine with Tom provided that for me. It has helped me stay grounded and focused, positively impacting my overall well-being during this challenging journey.

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My overall experience with Tom and Pure Sports Medicine has been incredibly positive. The sessions were not only excellent and effective but also highly enjoyable. Tom’s professionalism, personalised care, and unwavering support made a significant difference in my treatment journey. The outcomes have been great, and I am very happy with the progress I’ve made.

Pure Sports Medicine fosters a super inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. During my time there, I also had the pleasure of meeting Jess, one of the physiotherapists. Jess was a very friendly face and provided additional support whenever we needed to check on specific issues. 

The collaborative and caring approach of the entire team made me feel confident that I was in good hands. The combination of expert guidance, a friendly and encouraging environment, and the inclusive nature of Pure Sports Medicine has left me extremely satisfied with my experience.

Have you, your friend or family member, gone through, or are currently going through, cancer treatment and would like some support to maintain physical activity and function? We are here to help and support you through your journey. Click the button below to learn more about our Cancer Rehab service and how we can help. 

Learn more about Cancer Rehab and Treatment Support