Chance to Shine has started delivering coaching sessions at the cancer specialist hospital, the Royal Marsden in Sutton. The sessions, funded by the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust, are delivered to children, teenagers and young adults up to the age of 25 undergoing cancer treatment. This provides a fun avenue to engage in physical activity, alongside the specialist activity and physiotherapy support they receive.

Every Tuesday - excluding Easter and Christmas holidays - for the next two years, Paul Brennan from Capital Kids Cricket will be delivering three hours of coaching on the wards at the Royal Marsden. As well as a group session in the communal activity space, Paul will also be providing specialist one-to-one coaching with patients. The sessions are available to patients staying in the hospital or to those who may just be coming in for the day to have their treatment.

Sessions vary from traditional cricket activities to table cricket to more simple throwing and catching drills which develop motor skills and are adapted to suit each young person's capabilities. The most important focus of the programme is to improve young people's hospital experience by having fun and learning new skills.

The cricket sessions are part of the wider wellbeing approach at the Oak Centre for Children and Young People's unit, that includes music sessions, art sessions and now cricket coaching sessions. Taking part in such activities can help build a sense of normality for young people

Steve Peyman, Head of Operations at Chance to Shine, said "We're delighted to be able to provide the children at the Royal Marsden with the opportunity to take part in cricket sessions. We believe that all young people should have the chance to receive a sporting education and it's vital that this should continue despite the health problems they face. Cricket is an inclusive sport and our fantastic coaches ensure that each of their sessions is adapted to meet the needs of the young people. It's a brilliant way for them to develop their physical attributes as well as learning valuable social skills.

"Thank you to the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust, whose ongoing support is making cricket accessible to young people who are going through unimaginable circumstances and if we can bring a smile to their faces through these sessions that can make a world of difference to them."

Charlotte Weston, Teenage Cancer Trust Lead Nurse at The Royal Marsden said: "The young people really enjoyed the session with Paul as it was engaging and something different to the other group sessions we offer at the hospital."

Chance to Shine currently deliver cricket sessions at Evelina and Great Ormond Street Hospitals in London, also supported by the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust.