Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House

Recovery Haven Kerry is a cancer support charity which offers free emotional and practical support services to cancer patients, their carers and families across Kerry, west Limerick and North Cork.

We offer a safe place for cancer patients, their families, and carers to access information, emotional support, and practical help – be they those who have recently been recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, those dealing with a cancer diagnosis of a family member, relative or loved one; those who have been bereaved by cancer, as well as those caring for someone suffering with cancer.

We also have a team of dedicated children’s support specialists offering one to one counselling and group work programmes for children.

With the help of funding from the 2026 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, we aim to develop an Exercise Rehabilitation Programme suitable for cancer survivors, in collaboration with MTU and the Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership.

In the past, it was assumed that the best advice to give anyone diagnosed with cancer was to rest as much as possible. However, research has shown that too much rest may result in loss of stamina, muscle tone, and bone strength.

As with other long-term conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer rehabilitation as part of a cancer care package recommends physical activity during and after cancer treatment.

With that in mind, our intention is to work with the MTU & Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership in 2026 to train three fitness instructors who will undertake the CanRehab Specialist Instructor in Cancer & Exercise Rehabilitation Course, enabling the delivery of safe, effective and individualised exercise programmes. CanRehab is a specialist training provider in the UK offering a Level 4 Cancer and Exercise Rehabilitation Award – now known as the CanRehab Specialist Instructor in Cancer & Exercise Rehabilitation Course which is endorsed by REPs Ireland who are the national accreditation body for exercise and health professionals in Ireland.

Once trained, these instructors will deliver four x 8-week programmes in 2026 – two at our base in Tralee and two at our outreach locations.  Each programme will cater for between 8-12 participants, with benefits to include improvements in health and wellbeing of participants thereby improving their quality of life while on a cancer journey.

We very much appreciate your support.