Scalp Coolers save the hair of cancer patients in the North West

WOMEN and men in the North West are keeping their hair during chemotherapy treatment, thanks to Scalp Coolers provided by Walk the Walk. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the charity is raising awareness of these amazing machines which can prevent or reduce hair loss for people undergoing certain types of chemotherapy treatment. For many patients, losing their hair is the most visible sign of their treatment for cancer and can have a huge impact on their self esteem. Keeping their hair can help people retain their identity, as well as a small sense of normality.

As hair loss is not considered life threatening, NHS funding for Scalp Coolers is not a priority. Over the last twelve years, grants have been made by Walk the Walk for 625 machines in 247 Hospitals across the country, including to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral. The charity is committed to removing the postcode lottery and offering more and more people the choice of using the machines.

Samantha McGimpsey, 44, from Hoole, Chester, was diagnosed with 2 types of breast cancer almost 4 years ago, and used a Scalp Cooler during parts of her chemotherapy treatment. She said:- "I used the scalp cooler for 5 and a ˝ months, and my hair started growing back straight away in patches where I'd initially lost it. I would definitely recommend the Scalp Coolers to other patients having chemo, as I have done. Personally, I'm glad I persevered with it."

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said:- "Losing your hair whilst having chemotherapy, is often the final straw for many cancer patients and can be completely debilitating. Over the past 12 years Walk the Walk has worked incredibly hard towards removing the postcode lottery that has meant in some areas, cancer patients were unable to receive the choice of this treatment. It has been very important to us that we grant Scalp Coolers to as many NHS Hospital Trusts throughout the U.K. as possible. We believe that everybody should have the choice of using 1 of these amazing machines. I'm delighted that Samantha McGimpsey was able to use 1 of the Pink Walk the Walk Scalp Coolers at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. And a huge Thank You to all the wonderful women and men who took part in The MoonWalks for raising the funds to enable this to happen."

Walk the Walk is best known for its famous MoonWalks, when walkers take on marathon challenges in:- London, Edinburgh and Iceland, at Midnight, wearing brightly decorated bras.  For more information, or to sign up for a Walk the Walk event, visit:- WalkTheWalk.Org.

Wirral Woman Takes Fitness Retreats onto Liverpool's Streets

A Wirral woman has launched new retreats that combine fitness with tours of Liverpool's historic crime scenes. Personal trainer Faye Pritchard, 24, came up with the idea for the retreats alongside her dad, former Metropolitan Police Officer:- 'Robbie the Bobbie.'

Retreats start with a 2 hour intensive training session led by Faye and brunch, before Robbie leads the way on his crime scenes tour, delving into Liverpool's infamous history with gangs and guns over the past 100 years. Those who like their fitness without a side helping of intrigue can opt for the more sedate mini tour of the Wirral, or a pure fitness and nutrition retreat.  "Living in Higher Bebington, there are loads of brilliant places to take clients for a run, cycle or walk like the Wirral Way or the beach at New Brighton. Getting outside is really motivating for clients, so my dad came up with the idea of combining the fitness element with the crime scene or Wirral tour. It's different, and for many people it could be the kick start that they need into a healthier lifestyle. 1 client I'm working with had a single training session with a PT in the past and was pushed far too hard in the 1st session. She was sick and never went back! Then there are other clients who feel too intimidated to exercise in a gym. The retreats will be held in my cosy home studio, there's no-one watching and it's very chilled. I'm there to encourage, not shout and make you feel bad."

Liverpool has 1 of the highest rates of inactivity in the country, with 25% of adults doing less than 30 minutes of exercise each week. Statistics from Liverpool City Council also suggest that Liverpool has 1 of the lowest life expectancy rates in the UK, at 76 for men and 80 for women. Although the new retreats are open to people of all fitness levels, Faye says that the majority of her personal training clients have very limited experience with exercise.

Around 51% of adults in Liverpool regularly eat the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, below the national average of 56%, and nutrition is something that Faye addresses both in her PT sessions and new retreats.  "1 of the things we'll do is a food diary. I've had clients tell me that they're eating really healthily but when we do the diary they are actually existing on 1000 calories a day which is having the opposite effect and sending their bodies into starvation mode. I have to build that trust and get them to believe in me so we can get them the results they want. I've had other clients say that they don't want to give up wine at weekends, and that's fine. It's all about balance and being healthy most of the time."

Although the retreats are a new service for Faye, she has been running her personal training business Faye's Fitness PT, for 3 years offering PT sessions, 6 and 12 week transformation packages, and gut health programmes. "I studied childcare at college, then went to Australia to be an au-pair before coming back to work as a Teaching Assistant, at a Primary School, in Liverpool. My heart was with fitness through, so I managed to get my PT qualification at weekends and eventually set up Faye's Fitness PT. I'm so lucky to be doing the job I'm doing. I get to meet loads of lovely people, and I can't wait to be taking clients out across the Liverpool and the Wirral for my retreats. This is what I'm meant to be doing."