The UTS Foundation was established in January 2016 with the aim of transforming the lives of cancer patients across The Wirral – by providing physical and mental health support, resources and mentorship.
We operate a full programme of fitness and wellbeing sessions to support cancer rehabilitation, promote good mental health, improve nutrition and address isolation.
Our 12 week program has been designed by experts in cancer rehabilitation, combines physical exercise, mental health support, and nutrition guidance to address the unique needs of individuals dealing with cancer. Over the course of the program, participants will receive personalised attention and support, helping them to improve their overall wellbeing and quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Feel like yourself again
Our Fit for Life classes are open to anyone who wants a gentle, supported route back to fitness. Whether you’re recovering from illness, surgery, or any health-related treatment – or you simply haven’t moved in a while and aren’t sure where to start.
Our classes offer a gentle, structured route back to feeling stronger – to feeling more like yourself again.
There’s no pressure and no expectation to do more than feels right. Just expert guidance, and a supportive group that understands what it means to start again.
Life’s better when you’re moving
Classes run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30–11:30am at the UTS gym in Hoylake.
£7 per class – or £25 for a month.
Whether you come once a week or three times, every session is a step in the right direction. We’d love to see you there.
Danielle worked for the NHS for many years, but after her treatment for breast cancer she chose to change career in order to help and inspire others to live healthier and brighter lives.
Danielle is a personal trainer and is a qualified level 3 GP exercise referral, as well as level 4 in cancer rehabilitation. She currently coaches our hugely successful Fit for Life classes at the UTS gym in Hoylake.
Danielle thrives on supporting others through adversity, and has an infectious passion and determination to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Executive Director of the UTS Foundation
Dr Colin Robertson (widely known as Dr Col) is the person behind all of the programming that takes place. Dr Col has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, an MSc in Exercise Nutrition, and is a registered Nutritionist with the British Dietetics Association.
Dr Col spent six-years working as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the NHS, supporting people who were being treated for cancer and cardiovascular disease (amongst other conditions), and is a specialist in fatigue and recovery. Dr Col has also researched and published extensively in these areas.
In 2020, Dr Col was called upon by The NHS and Health Education England during the COVID-19 pandemic to form part of a strategy panel to shape how recovery would be prescribed in the wake of COVID and Long-COVID syndrome, and has also played an advisory role to both UKActive and Europe-Active when it comes to embedding exercise recovery programmes for people who have experienced chronic diseases.
Community – Wellbeing – Connection
TRIBE was created to be a place where our UTS Foundation exercise groups can refuel with healthy food & drink options – a place for connection, learning and community.
Alongside serving quality coffee, matcha, shakes and delicious bowls, TRIBE will be used as an educational hub for health, wellbeing and nutrition.
Most importantly, it’s our community hub – a place to belong. So, whether you’re visiting after a workout, meeting a friend, working remotely, attending a workshop, or simply taking a moment for yourself, you’ll always have a place here at TRIBE.
If you’d like to hire, donate, partner, or simply learn more about TRIBE, please get in touch. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
“I feel privileged to have been able to participate in the UTS Foundation program – it has impacted immeasurably on my physical health and well-being, as well as providing a wonderful support network, quite priceless. A very big thank you to you all.”
– Margaret
“The impact for me was immediate both for my physical state and for my mental health. The classes empowered me to reach a higher level of physical ability, so important after various surgeries and treatments and in turn improved my activity tolerance, confidence and well-being.”
– Fiona
“I have really appreciated the motivational elements of being part of the close-knit group at UTS Foundation, feeling supported and supporting others. The joy of achieving beyond my physical comfort zone and feeling stronger and fitter after my medical procedures have made such a positive difference.”
– Bill
We’d love to keep in touch, please enter your contact details below and we’ll keep you updated with new initiatives, fundraising and news from the team.
The Wirral Bikeathon is a cycling event for all the family, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy some healthy exercise whilst giving back to their local community.
The Hoylake 10K Coastal Fun Run is a great day out for all the family, whether you run it, support loved ones, or help out as a volunteer. Everyone is welcome.
Join us on Boxing day to show your support, enjoy a brisk (invigorating) dip, and have some fun – and celebrate your good health and wellbeing.
The challenge is to play 72 holes (4 rounds) in any 24 hour period, walking around 20 miles in the process – maybe more depending on your golf 🙂
From our annual bowel cancer awareness games v Team DDB to our many tournaments and 11 v 11 matches, the beautiful game allows us to raise vital funds all whilst having fun!
The UTS Foundation has a positive impact in peoples lives when they need it the most. It offers practical skills and support for overcoming adversity – providing a platform for cancer patients across The Wirral to not only improve their health and recovery, but to also boost their well-being and quality of life.
Watch Louise’s story >>
