Staff and students from Edge Hill’s Department of Sport and Physical Activity and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust’s Therapy team worked together to transform the University’s Sports Centre and running track into a hub of activity to promote activities designed to help young patients stay active during and after their treatment.
This special event was for children and young people who are currently undergoing, or have finished, treatment for cancer throughout the North West. With their families, they were invited to celebrate strength, activity and community with a range of fun, inclusive sports and physical activities designed to get everyone moving. Families and children had the chance to participate in a range of activities including football, cycling, basketball, and movement skill challenges, with adapted sports options, making sure everyone could join in.
Professor Stuart Fairclough, Professor of Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing at Edge Hill, said: “It was a real privilege to welcome children and families from Alder Hey’s Oncology Unit to the University for Mighty Move Day.
“Seeing the children engage so enthusiastically in a range of physical activities, and grow in confidence as they did, was heart-warming. The academic team in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity knows how vital it is for all children to enjoy movement that’s fun and meaningful.
“Events like this reinforce the message that every move counts for health and wellbeing, especially when shared with friends and family.”
Alder Hey was motivated to organise this first ever Mighty Move Day in recognition of the significant benefits of physical activity for individuals undergoing and recovering from cancer treatment.
The Charity wanted to help their current and former patients stay active and was attracted to Edge Hill after discovering Professor Fairclough’s research on movement and its impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Faye Dunn, Paediatric Physiotherapist at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, said: “We were incredibly pleased with how many organisations attended for the day, we had a variety of sports clubs, charities, community teams and individuals coming together to spread awareness of their various physical activity opportunities for children.
“The families and children who came had an amazing day, even on the hottest day of the year everyone was so enthusiastic. A special mention to those who received a bike from Cyclists Fighting Cancer who were based outside in the sun all day and did a brilliant job.
“I’d love to say a massive thank you to the staff at Edge Hill who helped us organise the day and make it run so smoothly, and to my fellow therapy colleagues from Alder Hey who gave up their free time to help and plan this day with me.
“We’re very hopeful from the verbal feedback we received from parents and children that another day like this will take place where we can reach more families and children affected by cancer to come and try out the activities on offer.”
On the day, Edge Hill sports hall was filled with stalls and activities from various organisation from the North West, even one coming as far as Stratford upon Avon for the event. Some of the organisations involved were:
- Cyclists fighting cancer
- Apollo Sports
- MOVE Against Cancer
- The Booth that Rocks
- Liverpool CHICS
- Sefton Park Cricket Club
- Lancashire music service
- Saints Basketball club
Find out more about the facilities and activities at Edge Hill Sport.
August 27, 2025
