A £1m fund-raising campaign which will provide state of the art facilities for post cancer care patients was launched on Merseyside last week.

Underground Training Station in Hoylake, Wirral, is extending its reach by establishing a Foundation.

Several new centres will be created which will focus on:

• Post cancer care patients – offering structured support, exercise and nutritional programmes to help with recovery and enhance the lifestyles of these people.
• Support for people with mental health issues, including prescribed exercise programmes and nutritional advice.
• Help for disadvantaged and disaffected young people – ensuring they are given the opportunity to grow and develop and excel in their chosen sports.
• Prescribed exercise programmes for people suffering from obesity, mental health problems, drug and alcohol problems.
• Older people who are isolated and who would benefit from fun and friendly sessions which will enhance their health at the same time.

Sports clubs from across the region will also be able to access the state of the art facilities, together with local schools.

The new foundation, which will be based at the existing UTS site in Newhall Lane, will be run by the UTS team of directors, including Dr Colin Robertson, who is the Head of the Athletic Development Centre and Research Coordinator for the School of Sport and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bolton; Neil Parsley,strength and conditioning coach for the GB Olympic Taekwondo squad and former Great Britain Rugby Union strength and conditioning coach and David McDermott, UTS Foundation Director and Sport Scholarship Manager at Liverpool John Moores University, who coordinates education and sport science support for Olympic and professional athletes and students.

Colin said:

“This is a five year vision and the purpose of this project is to provide accessible and free structured coaching, health and well-being sessions to these vulnerable groups.

“The UTS Foundation will work in partnership with a range of agencies, such as the NHS, police, youth service, youth offending teams, schools, colleges and youth clubs to help and support these people.

“The UTS has excellent links with partner agencies and local clubs, which will allow us to signpost individuals to sports, activities, clubs and professional groups who can work with us to help these people to reach their goals and full potential.”

The £1m fund-raising campaign is officially launched at Thornton Hall Hotel tonight.