A bit about me…
After being a CIMPSA Level 3 Personal Trainer for 5 years and leading a very active lifestyle, training for an Ironman, Duathlons, Triathlons and coaching everyday, my world was completely turned upside down in 2020. Not the pandemic as you may think, but in May 2020 an accident involving my spine resulted in paralysis in my left leg. A gruelling emergency surgery got my movement back but just as I was deep into rehab, in July 2020, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 25. I was given an initial prognosis of 2 years to live however, after changing hospitals, we plowed my body through every treatment to try for a better outcome. Brain surgery, chemotherapy, Cyberknife radiotherapy to my skull, medically induced menopause and targetted therapy drugs I still take today. 12 months after treatment began, we got the unexpected words that I had a complete clinical response to treatment and have been living cancer free for 3 years now. I trained all the way through treatment, avoided many of the side effects and had an incredible response to treatment; it wasn't a coincidence. I vowed to make movement accessible for everyone going through treatment, so I am now a full time Level 4 Cancer Exercise Specialist, providing 1:1 and online training to help anyone anywhere feel the benefits too. You can read more about my story on my blog, or continue down to read more about the work I do and how you can train with me.
What I do…
As a Level 4 Canrehab Cancer and Rehabilition specialist I am qualified to train people pre-treatment, during treatment and post treatment for all types of cancers and stages; including palliative care. I believe exercise should be prescribed for patients for both physical and mental benefits. I saw the effect it had on my treatment, the way I managed side effects and the ability to keep my mind strong, so I am focused on showing others the powers exercise can have. I support people living with cancer all over the UK and internationally via virtual training on zoom or 1:1 in person sessions in London.
I am also a Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Exercise Specialist and support women throughout their pregnancy and post pregnancy. I do this in the comfort of their own homes so that, especially with a new born, it takes the stress away from travel and gives more time availability.
Find me on Instagram and follow my journey @franwhitfield
