Touch for Cancer reveals its first Living with Cancer and Beyond event

Touch for Cancer and CanRehab have collaborated to create the first Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat.

Taking place at Carden Park Hotel and Spa from September 1-5, the five-day wellbeing retreat is aimed at people living with or recovering from cancer.

Living with Cancer and Beyond will bring together spa and wellness leaders across different disciplines, so that people of all abilities and at any stage of a cancer journey can confidently take part comfortably.

The retreat will be led by Touch for Cancer founder Sue Harmsworth MBE, along with Professor Anna Campbell MBE, a globally recognised leader in cancer, exercise and rehabilitation.

Harmsworth has spent more than 55 years shaping the global spa and wellness industry, while Campbell’s work has changed how the medical world understands the role of movement in cancer care.

“Living with Cancer and Beyond will offer five days to reconnect with the body and learn practical tools for living well in the company of people who truly understand,” said Sue Harmsworth.

“Guests will rediscover the role of movement, therapeutic touch, nutrition and human connection, with expert-led and evidence-based support.

“We’re presenting a new approach to supporting people with cancer – one that challenges many of the traditional ideas around cancer care. Instead of focusing on limitations, the event explores what is possible through movement, exercise, wellbeing practices and shared insight.”

Three guiding principles

Harmsworth and Campbell will be joined by a team of experts including Stephen Price, founder of Movementum; clinical nutritionist and health coach Stephanie Moore and mindfulness meditation practitioner Laura Ashurst.

Skincare expert, SATCC Advisory Board member and qualified functional medicine health coach, Marian Hook, will share her expertise in therapeutic skincare and treatments adapted for people living with or beyond cancer.

The retreat will hone in on three guiding principles. Movement as medicine will see attendees taking part in daily curated sessions to help remind them what their body is capable of, rebuild confidence, flexibility and strength.

The ‘restore and wellbeingr pillar will encompass breathwork, mindfulness, therapeutic touch, skincare and nutrition workshops.

‘Feel human again and connect’ will involve small group conversations with the 30 attendees, to help shift perspectives, answer questions and give them greater confidence ahead of their departure.

“It’s a fact that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime,” said Harmsworth. “That’s not a statistic to end on; it’s a reason to begin.

“The medical journey, as essential as it is, only tells part of the story. Movement, touch, nutrition and connection aren’t luxuries. They’re part of what it means to feel human again.

“What makes this event so unique is its focus is on health and possibility, rather than illness, encouraging individuals to challenge themselves and reconnect with their mind and bodies.”

Prices start at £1,084 per person and more information can be found here.

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