10 JULY, 2026

‘We’re All In’ to help young adults with cancer live life to the fullest

A national NHS event showcasing the benefits of activity and connection for young people with cancer will be held in Dundee.

‘We’re All In’ is the first national event of its kind in Scotland designed specifically for teenagers and young adults aged 16-26. It will take place on Sunday 23 August at the Regional Performance Centre, Dundee – a sporting facility for training, competing and staying active.

The event will include wheelchair basketball, wall climbing, archery, rugby, athletics, pickleball, pilates and so much more.

It will introduce young people to a variety of beginner-friendly and inclusive sports and activities. It’s a chance for attendees to get active, try something new and to connect with others who are in a similar situation.

Around 100 attendees will learn about sport, exercise and healthy living and how they can use that to help them manage their conditions, thrive in their lives and ultimately live as normal a life as possible, despite their additional everyday challenges. Research shows that activity and exercise can help aid recovery and improve psychological and physical wellbeing.

‘We’re All In’ has been organised by the Managed Clinical Network for Children and Young People with Cancer (MCN CYPC) in partnership with activity organisations such as Active Dundee, which is part of Leisure & Culture Dundee, and Perth and Kinross Disability Sport.

The MCN CYPC was officially launched in 2011 to ensure a single national model of service delivery for children, teenagers and young adults with cancer.

It is charged with delivering the Scottish Government’s vision for cancer services – to ensure that children and young people in Scotland with a diagnosis of cancer attain the best possible outcomes, have access to appropriate specialist services, as locally as possible that are both safe and sustainable, and that the pathway of care is as equitable as possible regardless of where they live in Scotland.

The MCN CYPC has a national remit and is hosted by NHS Tayside at Kings Cross Hospital. It works collaboratively with all staff involved in the delivery of children and young people’s cancer services across Scotland and with patients, carers and third sector organisations. 

Robbie Grieve, National Network Manager, said cancer treatment can reduce bone density, muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness, and increase pain and fatigue - all adding to emotional wellbeing challenges.

He said, “Young people with cancer experience the difficulties of prolonged treatment and its side effects, which could have a detrimental impact on their health and overall quality of life. Research has shown that activity and exercise is known to play a large role in recovery and improving psychological and physical wellbeing.

“We want to encourage these young patients to avoid the sedentary lifestyles that can often happen after a cancer diagnosis and to experience the benefits of activity for themselves in a no pressure environment alongside those who understand the challenges.”

Julie Cain, Teenage Cancer Trust National Lead Nurse for Scotland, said, “We can’t wait to welcome young people to ‘We’re All In’. It’ll be a relaxed and supportive day where they can explore a range of sports. They can participate as little or as much as they like. It takes place just after the Commonwealth Games, and we are hopeful our young people will be inspired by the performances of our Team Scotland athletes.”

The event is being financially supported by the Kirk Murdoch Charitable Trust. Trustee Gains Murdoch said, “It’s so important that young people impacted by cancer have opportunities to stay physically active. We are delighted to support this fantastic event, which reflects our Trust’s values and objectives so well.”

Scott Urquhart, Head of Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity Services at Active Dundee, said, “We are proud to partner with the MCN CYPC at RPC Dundee to host this inspiring event. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport and physical activity and are delighted to help create a welcoming and supportive environment for young people from across Scotland."

To find out more about the event, email: Julie.Cain2@nhs.scot or gillian.matheson@nhs.scot

Contact:

Lee Harrow

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740719