Saturday 3 September 2022
Together… through treatment and beyond
‘Make a Move!’ event is a day for patients, both past and present, to come together and try out a host of different sports and activities. The day is open to children and young people who have been treated for cancer and benign haematological conditions under the care of Bristol Children’s Hospital and the South West.
Our aim is to encourage patients undergoing treatment and beyond to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle, helping to combat the physical and mental side effects caused by these conditions and their treatment.
Sarah Cowan, Senior Staff Nurse and Co-Project Lead for ‘Make a Move!’’Make a Move!’ is about patients and their families coming together for a day of activity and fun! It’s also an opportunity to reunite with healthcare professionals who have supported them throughout their treatment and beyond and to meet up with other patients and families.
About the day
If you’re under the care of the Oncology and Benign Haematology Department at Bristol Children’s Hospital, the ‘Make a Move!’ event is for you! You can also bring your siblings and parents too – it’s a day for all the family.
When? Saturday 3 September
Where? Team Bath Sports Training Village, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY
What time? 10:00 – 16:00 (doors open at 09:30)
Complete the short registration form below to register for the ‘Make a Move!’ event.
“Make a Move!” event registration form

Why is activity important for children and young people with a cancer or benign haematology diagnosis?
Being active can have multiple benefits for physical and mental wellbeing for children and young people of all ages and abilities. For some that can mean joining a sports club or doing exercise as a family. For others being active can mean playing outside or going for a walk with loved ones.
Kate Millar, Paediatric Physiotherapist, Bristol Children’s HospitalWhichever way children decide to be active; the most important thing is they are doing something they enjoy and are motivated to do.
Activity is beneficial both inside and outside of hospital and can help to reduce fatigue, improve strength, maintain independence and increase mental wellbeing. Undergoing treatment can often feel isolating, but taking part in exercise and staying active can build self-confidence and give children a sense of belonging.
If you have any questions about your child or young person being active, please ask your local physiotherapist for advice.
What does staying active mean to you?
Seb, patient aged eightExercise makes me feel excited, especially swimming which I love. Sometimes it’s hard but mostly it’s good. I am excited to go to the sports day but also a little nervous as it’s something new for me and I haven’t done a sports day before but I will try my best.
Abby, Seb’s MumSince treatment for a brain tumour in 2018, Seb has needed considerable rehabilitation over the years to get back on his feet and moving. It has been hard, but it is always fun, and most importantly the pay off is huge – today seb is healthy, active, and happy! Every activity and sport is valuable exercise and brings about benefits from physical strength to balance and coordination, and even (and importantly) confidence and mental well-being.
Irena, Mum of JaydenI believe that having a sports day is a great idea as it will bring together children with different experiences so they can enjoy just being normal – something that they desperately need! Exercise and sport has helped Jayden stay mentally and physically strong, the benefits of which have paid off whilst in hospital.
Jayden, undergoing treatment, Aged 11I am SO excited for the Sports Day!
We will be updating this page regularly so please check in to find out more information about the event.