CHEMO BRAIN: How I got things back on track
By Steph Lightfoot
Mar 23, 2025
24 In 24 : The Moving More Together Challenge
“Basketball, which is sport number 24, will be the biggest challenge for me personally – partly because it’s the last sport after 23 hours of activity and partly because I’ve never played before! But I’ll be pleased with even a few points to finish this mighty challenge!”
MOVE Against Cancer CEO David Henderson is about to attempt a daunting challenge: trying 24 sports in 24 hours, from rowing and touch rugby to cycling and pilates. He’ll be joined at various points by people impacted by cancer and he’s undertaking the task to demonstrate how movement can change lives.
“At MOVE Against Cancer we know exercise – all movement – is one of the most important things anyone diagnosed with cancer can do to enhance wellbeing and improve health outcomes both during and after treatment”, he explains. “We know not enough people are getting access to the support and information they need. Our vision is for every single person impacted by cancer to live an active and fulfilling life and this challenge is about helping to change that”.
David begins his challenge at 9am on Saturday 30 May at Bedford Park where he’ll attend 5k Your Way, MOVE Against Cancer’s movement-based cancer support group. There are over 130 groups across the UK at designated parkruns and David is looking forward to joining other walkers and runners there.
“It’s wonderful to be starting with my local 5KYW group in Bedford. Their attitude and support is what this challenge is all about. 5k Your Way is also the perfect place to start when you begin moving against cancer”.
He’ll then move across Bedford every hour, taking on different sports at different venues, finishing at 9am the next day at Jubilee Park.
“I’m being joined throughout the day by friends, family and colleagues ready to get moving to support people living with and beyond cancer. Our lives have all been impacted by cancer in different ways and I can’t wait to get active together to showcase why movement matters. And I’m looking forward to meeting and moving with some new people along the way. Over 24 hours we’ll walk, run, row, cycle, play cricket, hit a golf ball, kick a football…”.
David hopes that by raising awareness and raising funds his challenge will help to support more people to move against cancer. He’s inviting people to donate to his fundraising page, sponsor a sport or get involved in some of the activities he’s trying.
“By getting involved in this challenge and supporting our Moving More Together campaign, you’re helping us ensure every individual impacted by cancer receives the necessary resources and support to engage in and maintain an active lifestyle.This challenge is being supported by some fantastic local community sport organisations, especially Better, the charitable social enterprise that operate four leisure centres, and who are hosting the team and me throughout the day. A huge thanks also to many others supporting me including Movefit Pilates, Bedford Cricket Club, Bedford Pickleball, Bedford Towers and Fresh Air Nordic Walking”.
David admits that his challenge sounds a bit crazy but it means the world to him and he’s excited to get started. “I can’t wait to try rowing which I’ve never done and also the ultimate frisbee with lots of family and friends should be fun, all moving together!”
The idea is that David’s 24-hour challenge will be the first of many and MOVE Against Cancer is launching a fundraising pack so that others can set up their own 24-hour challenge. To find out more please click here: https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/get-fundraising/
