One of Scotland’s largest walking football clubs has marked a decade of success playing at a leading sports facility, where it has helped to improve the health and wellbeing of hundreds over the years.
Oriam Walking Football (OWF) has been playing at Heriot-Watt University’s Oriam, where for the last ten years it has welcomed men and women of all abilities to play.
Recently, over 60 of its members gathered to mark this success at its annual summer gathering at Oriam, with players taking part in a round robin and raising £330 on the day for the club’s 2026 charity partner, Care & Repair Edinburgh.
The celebrations also had a wider community impact: in the week leading up to the event, OWF held a food drive, and presented local charity Community for Food with a cheque for £500.
The club has fast become a vital pillar of the local community, helping older men and women build friendships and improve physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive and accessible environment.
Paul Rendall, club Chair, said: “Our club motto is ‘more than a football club’ and it sums up everything we’ve been building here at Oriam.
“We started as a small pilot in 2015 on the outdoor pitches at Balerno High School, where we wanted to bring walking football to this corner of Edinburgh.
“When Oriam opened its doors in 2016, we jumped at the chance to move indoors, and we’ve just continued to grow every single year since.
“We now have over 135 registered players, the oldest of whom is 84. Walking football here is open to women aged 40 and over and men aged 50 and over – some haven’t kicked a ball in years, others have played all their lives. In 2025 alone, over 4,000 player places were taken up, and in the year to date we’ve already seen a 45% uplift on those numbers
“But what’s been most incredible to witness over the past decade is the friendships that have formed and the camaraderie that’s developed, along with the walking groups, social clubs and other activities that have grown up alongside the football.
“Oriam has been a gamechanger for us. Having world-class indoor facilities means we can play whatever the weather, and for a group of players in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, that accessibility makes all the difference. It’s been remarkable to see the impact it has had on people’s lives.”
Over the past decade, the club has grown into a thriving community, with regular sessions and competitive fixtures taking place at Oriam’s world class indoor facilities, as well as providing a growing range of social activities.
Walking football is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports and is a slower-paced version of the game, where players must keep one foot on the ground at all times.
The ball must be kept below crossbar height, with no heading, no tackling from behind and a three-touch limit per player, rules designed to keep the game safe, fair and enjoyable for all.
OWF currently runs four open social sessions each week at Oriam and fields seven competitive teams across a range of age groups, including over-50s, over-60s, over-65s, over-70s and an over-40s ladies squad, who are currently unbeaten in their first ever league campaign.
Chris Sellar, Director of Delivery at Oriam, said: “When we first supported this pilot back in 2015, we could see the potential for walking football to make a real difference in the local community. What OWF has built over the past decade has surpassed all expectations.
“This is exactly what Oriam is about. Yes, we are home to some of Scotland’s elite athletes, but we are just as committed to ensuring our facilities are open and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
“OWF embodies that perfectly, proving that sport has no age limit and that staying active, whatever form that takes, can genuinely transform lives.”
Beyond the football, OWF has built a thriving social hub, with a walking group, grub club, golf club, pool club, badminton, all growing organically from the club, ensuring members stay connected year-round regardless of whether they can play.
Charitable giving has also become central to the club’s ethos. Last year, OWF chose Alzheimer Scotland as its charity partner for its tenth anniversary year, raising over £6,200 for the organisation.
It is a milestone that reflects the broader spirit of Oriam itself, which is also celebrating a decade of success since opening in 2016.
Born out of a £33 million national investment, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre is home to world-class facilities and counts the SFA, Scottish Rugby, and Heart of Midlothian as just some of the large elite organisations that uses its facilities.
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Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade, the Timms Review has found
Millions of disabled people are being failed by a benefit that is no longer working, the first ever full review into Personal Independence Payment has found.
The largest co-produced review ever undertaken by government at a national level has heard from nearly 40,000 people and organisations across the country.
Publication of interim report finds that while PIP is a lifeline for many claimants, it can create barriers to work, physical activity and community life.
Report also reveals deep-rooted problems in the design and delivery of PIP with the assessment described as dehumanising and stressful.
Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade, the Timms Review has found.
The interim report published today (Thursday 9 July 2026) comes as part of the first comprehensive review of PIP since the benefit was introduced in 2013 and sets out the evidence gathered so far to inform recommendations for reform due this autumn.
Drawing on findings from more than 38,000 responses to the Review’s Call for Evidence, alongside workshops and engagement with disabled people, their organisations and experts, it is one of the largest co-produced reviews delivered by the government.
The report has revealed that while PIP is widely valued as a cash benefit, it is not working as intended for disabled people or wider society.
While many disabled people say that PIP is vital in helping them meet the extra costs of disability and participate in everyday life, others stated PIP creates barriers to participating fully in work, social and community life. This is particularly true for people with fluctuating conditions, less visible conditions or multiple conditions.
The process of claiming, under assessment criteria designed more than a decade ago, was viewed negatively by 90% of respondents, and described as at times “dehumanising”, “degrading” and “stressful” and the use of supporting evidence too often inconsistent. Only 5% of responses about the process were positive.
The Report also reports low levels of trust in the system and the need for it to be built back both for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, as well as for the taxpayer.
PIP was introduced in 2013 to contribute towards the extra costs of disability and support independent living but has never been fully reviewed despite shifting trends in health and disability, and changes in wider society and the workplace.
The Review launched last October with the aim of making sure PIP is fair and fit for the future in a changing world and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence including through employment.
It will also take account of related work underway across the wider health and social care system, including the Milburn Review into the increase in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Both reviews are due to conclude later this year, providing a foundation for effective and sustainable reform.
The steering group will now continue to gather evidence through evidence sessions with experts and workshops around the country, while moving into the next phase: designing and testing recommendations for change, with the final recommendations due to be published this autumn.
Around 10 million working-age people report living with a disability – equivalent to 24% of the working-age population, compared with under 17% in 2013/14. There have been greater increases in the prevalence of disability among young people and a rise in mental health conditions. The Review must consider how PIP can remain sustainable within fixed financial limits and support future generations.
The report draws on findings from over 38,000 responses to a Call for Evidence, which describe an assessment process that fails to reflect real-life impacts, particularly for those with multiple or fluctuating conditions.
Yet the report also found that disabled people consistently describe PIP as a vital lifeline, allowing independence. Without it, many say they would become housebound, dependent on family, or in need of residential care.
Sharon Brennan, co-chair of the Review, said: “Improving trust in the system – both from the public and those going through the system – is vital if PIP is to be fit and fair for the future.
“Of those that responded to the steering group’s Call for Evidence, over 90% described negative experiences of the process of claiming PIP, with concerns raised around all aspects of the process from application through to assessment and appeals.
“We are immensely grateful to the tens of thousands of people who have taken the time to share their lived experience and make a valuable contribution to this Review.
“We’ve heard loud and clear: PIP is highly valued as a benefit but is not fit for purpose. We are committed to making changes so that PIP can fulfil its purpose.”
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, co-chair of the Review, said: “PIP should contribute to disabled people meeting the extra costs of disability and participate in everyday life. What we have heard through this Review is that, while PIP is a lifeline for many people, the system too often fails to understand the reality of people’s lives.
“Disabled people have told us about a process that can feel stressful, dehumanising and hard to navigate, especially for people with fluctuating conditions, less visible or multiple conditions. That matters, because a system that does not feel fair or humane will not command trust from disabled people or from the wider public.
“This Review is significant because disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations and experts are helping and supporting to shape the work from the inside, not simply being consulted from the outside. As we move towards final recommendations, we need to be bold in our ambition, practical in our proposals, and focused on making PIP fair, trusted and fit for the future.”
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and co-chair of the Review, said: “This interim report delivers a clear message: while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is not working as intended and needs fundamental change.
“Our work so far has been informed by a wide range of evidence, expertise, and insight to ensure we hear from as many disabled people as possible across the country, including through workshops, engagement and a call for evidence which attracted more than 38,000 responses.
“I’m grateful to my fellow co-chairs and the steering group for their intensive work and look forward to the Review’s final report being delivered in the autumn.”
Charlotte Gill, Head of Campaigns at the MS Society, says: “Today’s interim report confirms what disabled people have been saying for many years – that the current PIP system is stressful and exhausting.
“We’ve been supporting people with MS to share their experiences as part of the Review, and they are clear in their call for a new approach based on fairness, dignity and respect.
“Over 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, with most diagnosed in their 30s and 40s. This is our chance to build a PIP system that acknowledges invisible and fluctuating symptoms, ends unnecessary reassessments, and works for everyone.
“But the next steps are crucial – and must continue involving and listening to disabled people. That’s the only way to make PIP fair and fit for the future.”
Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, says: “The report echoes what we hear every day: that the PIP system is dehumanising, stressful and damages trust.
“PIP is a lifeline for people who, through no fault of their own, live with the additional costs of mental illness.
“So as this work progresses, it’s vital that, alongside improving the process, we also recognise that in a decent society we must support those facing additional need. This is a line-in-the sand moment for how we treat people, that improves lives for those who are unwell and reduces the impacts on families and communities.”
Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability Mencap, said: “It’s groundbreaking to see proper co-production in action. Disabled people are shaping the way that PIP works, and their lived experience is essential to making the right decisions on its future.
“This report shows clearly that that the current claims process is not fit for purpose and places an unfair administrative and emotional burden on people with a learning disability and their families. This chimes with our experience: the application process is not accessible, assessments end up being a needless fight and unnecessary re-assessments create distrust in the decision-making process.
“This approach should continue so that future recommendations are practical, deliverable and do not harm disabled people. I hope that the process of co-production will help to restore trust in the welfare systems that many of us rely on.”
The Call for Evidence forms just one part of a wider programme of engagement and evidence gathering. Last month, the group launched a toolkit to gather organisations’ insights on people’s experiences of PIP. Feedback from these sessions, combined with existing research, has helped ensure the report reflects a broad range of views and evidence.
The steering group is clear that co-production is central to the Review, putting disabled people at its heart. Co-production is a new undertaking for the UK government, and this is the first time it has been used on this scale.
It includes disabled people, representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations and experts – bringing together lived experience, policy knowledge and practical expertise to develop recommendations based on real lives.
Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing, Sense: “Too many disabled people are being failed by the current benefits system, and we welcome the Timms Review’s acknowledgment of this.
“Sense research found that nearly half of disabled people with complex needs on benefits said that the application process made their conditions worse; this is clearly a system that needs to urgently change.
“We are also pleased to see the review’s commitment to co-production with disabled people, and look forward to being further involved in this process.
“Benefits like PIP are a vital lifeline for disabled people. They are the difference between people being part of their communities, seeing people they love, being able to stay active and getting to work.
“As the Timms review moves into its next phase, we urge the review team to ensure its recommendations are driven by the goal of improving disabled people’s lives, not reducing public spending.
“Changes to welfare must remove barriers, strengthen support and build a system that treats disabled people with dignity, respect and trust.”
David Newbold, Director of Community, Parkinson’s UK: “We welcome the Timms Review’s recognition that the current PIP system is not working for many disabled people and that it can be particularly difficult for those with fluctuating conditions such as Parkinson’s.
“It is encouraging to see acknowledgement that assessments do not always capture the full impact of a condition, can be subjective, and that assessor training needs to improve.
“As the Review develops its recommendations, it will be important to ensure that support remains based on the impact a condition has on someone’s daily life. People with Parkinson’s should be able to access the support they need regardless of whether they are able to work, volunteer or take part in other activities.
“It is also vital for the Review to ensure that unnecessary reassessments for people with progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s are stopped. A fair system should not require people to repeatedly prove the impact of a condition that will not improve.
“We will continue to work with the Timms Review to help ensure any future changes to PIP work for people with Parkinson’s and lead to a fairer, more consistent system that provides the support people need.”
James Taylor, Director of Strategy, Scope: “Co-producing with disabled people is the right thing to do. We’re pleased lived experience is at the centre of the Review.
“This report reflects what Scope hears day in, day out, from disabled people. PIP isn’t working.
“The assessment process is complex and dehumanising. The system does not reflect the reality of disabled people’s lives, especially people with fluctuating conditions.
“Life costs more if you are disabled. And PIP exists to help with the extra costs disabled people face, whether they are in work, out of work, or unable to work.
“The government has started to listen. Now it must build a person-centred system that is easier to deal with and fit for disabled people’s lives.”
Stewart McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer, Christians Against Poverty: “We welcome that the Timms Review has listened to the voices of people living with disabilities, including a visit to meet with some of our clients at CAP’s support hub in Bradford.
“As rightly highlighted by the review, the current application process for PIP is complicated and adds additional stress and anxiety onto people already facing vulnerable circumstances. CAP’s debt coaches and local church teams frequently see this reality when working with clients in their communities.
“Many people with disabilities come to us for free debt advice because they have had to take out credit as a result of not being able to afford their basic needs.
“This report is a positive step on the journey of reviewing PIP. But, from this review, steps need to be taken to ensure that the social security system supports and empowers disabled people into good, quality employment, whilst also providing a livable income for those unable to work to live a life with dignity.”
DFM: Improving access to local support is a priority
Grassroots projects working to improve mental health and wellbeing in local communities will benefit from a further £15 million investment in 2027-28, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has announced.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for adults supports local groups to deliver programmes that help tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities – through sport, outdoor activities and the arts.
The Scottish Government has invested £99 million in the Fund since its launch in 2021, helping grassroots organisations to support people closer to home and at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Deputy First Minister announced the funding on a visit to Lucky Ewe Farm in Cupar, Fife where the charity provides outdoor work placements and volunteering opportunities to help enhance mental health and wellbeing.
Ms Gilruth said: “This investment reflects our commitment to healthcare focused on prevention and early intervention, supporting people before they reach crisis point and prioritising those who are most at risk.
“This earlier notification of funding will provide security and stability for our third sector partners, helping them to better plan for the future and make the most of their resources.
“We have invested almost £100 million since we established the fund, reaching a variety of groups supporting those at increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. This type of support sets a clear example of how this Government is delivering for the people of Scotland.
“Improving access to support on people’s doorstep and in communities will continue to be a priority as we reform Scotland’s public services – ensuring people can access the help they need close to home where they feel most comfortable. This builds on initiatives such as GP walk-in services and ‘Hospital at Home’ that ensure people can access the care they need, in the right place at the right time.
“I am grateful to charities like Lucky Ewe, which play such an important role in helping us deliver this support in local communities.”
Lucky Ewe Chairperson Joan Brown said: “Lucky Ewe trustees, farm volunteers and supporters are delighted to hear of this funding initiative by the Sottish Government. It will help us plan better for the future of our Fife-wide project and give greater stability to our staff.”
Have you noticed a boost in your mood from getting some sunshine, or spending time in green spaces?
Well, there’s evidence behind sun exposure and nature having a positive impact on our mental health.
This doesn’t mean the more sun the better! In fact, heatwaves can bring negative effects. So, remember to take in the sun, all while taking precautions.
As your physical and mental health are closely linked – by protecting your body, you’ll also protect your mind.
Two of the UK’s leading specialist law firms have joined forces with Cerebral Palsy Scotland to launch a new Legal Support Network aimed at improving access to expert legal advice for people with cerebral palsy and their families.
The network, spearheaded by Cerebral Palsy Scotland, brings together legal specialists with expertise in cerebral palsy, birth injury and disability-related law to help families access trusted support from professionals who understand the lifelong impact of the condition.
Founding partners Slater and Gordon Lawyers and Irwin Mitchell will work with the charity over the next year to develop a new model for legal support, informed by the experiences of people with cerebral palsy and their families.
Stephanie Fraser, CEO at Cerebral Palsy Scotland, said: ” People with cerebral palsy and their families often face complex legal issues throughout their lives.By bringing together some of the UK’s leading experts in this field, we’re creating a network built on trust, expertise and shared values.
“This initiative is about making it easier for families to find the right support, at the right time, from professionals who genuinely understand their experiences.”
As part of the initiative, partners will help develop a code of practice to support best practice when working with clients affected by cerebral palsy.
Representatives from both founding law firms welcomed the opportunity to support the initiative.
Derek Couper, Principal Lawyer, Slater and Gordon, said: “Cerebral Palsy Scotland plays an outstanding role in helping people across the country affected by the condition, and without them, their tailored support would be very hard to access.
“Their own research shows the struggle people experience in finding resources and understanding how to navigate their lives, which makes the support of this charity absolutely invaluable.
“Slater and Gordon in Scotland is delighted to partner with this incredible charity and to offer their beneficiaries across the country access to high-quality, accessible and expert legal advice.
“We have a team of experienced solicitors ready to listen to the needs of individuals and families living with cerebral palsy, and to take action where appropriate in pursuit of achieving the highest standard of living.”
Darren Deery, Head of Clinical Negligence Scotland, Irwin Mitchell: “We are proud to support Cerebral Palsy Scotland in launching this important initiative. Through our work, we see the profound and lasting impact cerebral palsy can have on individuals and their families, and how important it is to have access to clear, specialist legal advice at the right time.
“This network is a positive step towards ensuring families can access trusted expertise in a way that is joined-up, compassionate and focused on their needs.
“By working in partnership with Cerebral Palsy Scotland and others, we hope to help improve understanding and make it easier for people to access the support and answers they deserve.”
The charity hopes the network will become a trusted source of specialist legal support while encouraging greater understanding of the legal, practical and emotional issues experienced by people with cerebral palsy and their families.
An Army veteran from Melrose says that taking part in disability sports saved his life – and he wants to encourage others who live with life-changing health conditions, injuries and disabilities to try adaptive sports.
Neil Dewar, age 59, suffered devastating injuries in 2006, due to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion, whilst on patrol in Iraq.
He has disabled limbs, spinal and neurological damage, which means that he now relies on a wheelchair; and he also has Combat PTSD. But introduction to adaptive sports through the veterans’ organisation Help for Heroes has changed his life. He’s now a passionate advocate for disability sports.
Neil said: “I want to encourage other veterans across Scotland, whatever their level of ability, to try adaptive sports. I’m about to attend my seventh Community Sports Series event, which is taking place in Edinburgh in July, and I can’t rate these events highly enough.
“You get to take part in sports taster sessions, in a safe and relaxed environment, meet some great people, and maybe find a new interest and make new friends. I know a lot of people who come along who go on to take up a sport with their local club, which helps them with mental health and physical challenges.
“Without sport I don’t think I’d be alive. It’s helped with my mental health and my physical wellbeing, and I’ve been able to compete all over the world.”
Neil is the current GB and European wheelchair champion for modern pentathlon. He’s on the Paralympic pathway for the GB wheelchair Curling team and is hoping to make the UK Invictus Games team for Birmingham 2027.
The Community Sports Series event is taking place on 11 and 12 July at the Oriam Sports Centre, Edinburgh. Participants will have the opportunity to try walking football, supported by the Heart of Midlothian community team, non-contact boxing, supported by Port O’Leith Boxing Club, wheelchair basketball supported by Edinburgh Giants, walking netball, para-darts, rowing, archery and non-contact martial arts.
The event is open to veterans and their family members and there is no charge for taking part.
Neil added: “You might be feeling isolated due to an on-going injury or illness – adaptive sports, and events like the Community Sports Series, can give you something to look forward to. Veterans’ family members can get involved as well. But it’s all in a very relaxed environment and the coaches are so supportive.”
Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The Charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands – and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.
The Charity supports veterans and their families from any branch of the UK military, regulars and reserves, irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.
The latest Public Health Scotland figures on waiting times for musculoskeletal (MSK) services should be a cause for concern.
Between August 2025 and March 2026, only 52.4 per cent of patients were seen within the Scottish Government’s four-week waiting time target. Meanwhile, the number of people waiting for care increased to 75,128 by the end of March 2026.
Behind these figures are people living with arthritis and other MSK conditions who are experiencing pain, reduced mobility and uncertainty while waiting for support. MSK conditions affect around 1.7 million people in Scotland and are the leading cause of pain and disability. Timely access to services such as physiotherapy is often critical to helping people manage their condition and maintain their quality of life.
Arthritis UK is calling for a national MSK Action Plan to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and support. We are also urging the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Care and Sport Committee to undertake a dedicated inquiry into musculoskeletal health, an area that has never been the subject of a parliamentary inquiry despite its significant impact on individuals and the health service.
These latest figures highlight the need for urgent action to improve outcomes for people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions across Scotland. People living with this cannot afford to wait any longer.
Alan McGinley
Policy and Engagement Manager (Scotland) Arthritis UK
Edward House 199 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow, G2 3EX
New funding has been made available to support people impacted by gambling-related mental health problems in Scotland.
From today, organisations will be able to bid for a share of £375,000 to support projects and research linked to gambling harms and mental health, including suicide prevention.
The funding forms part of the £7.9 million allocated to Scotland through the UK-wide statutory Gambling Levy – supporting Scotland’s Population Health Framework commitments on prevention, early intervention and treatment services delivered across the NHS, local authorities and the third sector.
It is the second year the fund, which is administered by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), has opened for applications, with a total of 16 projects supported in 2025-26.
Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd said: “Gambling affects too many people in Scotland – and while it is often normalised, it is linked to many hidden harms. Earlier this year we announced £7.9 million to tackle gambling harm across Scotland, and this fund is a key part of that commitment.
“Last year, our funding supported exploratory projects which found that gambling harms are strongly linked to, but often hidden by other issues including substance use, housing insecurity and debt.
“This funding will help many other organisations working with some of those most affected, and I urge all eligible groups to apply.”
The ALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, said: “For many people gambling has become part of their everyday life – but research shows it can evolve into a slow often invisible decline that places individuals at heightened risk of harm and impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.
In serious cases it can lead to severe mental distress and even suicide.
“We need to understand more about the support that is needed within our communities – and that’s why the ALLIANCE welcomes this funding from the Scottish Government to do just that. Too often the most marginalised people and communities, those that face the biggest barriers already to better health, are the ones most at risk from gambling.
“The ALLIANCE’s work understanding communities in Scotland through our membership, and projects, gives us a good grounding to manage this fund. Communities provide solutions and on the local projects often have the answers. Solving the significant problems caused by gambling in Scotland has become a non-negotiable.”
Figures show people with red flag symptoms put off going to the GP and face barriers in seeking help
Cancer Research UK and Tesco have partnered to encourage people to seek help for potential cancer symptoms and support early diagnosis
Tesco pharmacists trained by Cancer Research UK available in-store to provide information and support to customers experiencing potential symptoms or concerned about cancer
Worrying Cancer Research UK figures show that around a third of people (32 percent)* who noticed a potential ‘red flag’ cancer symptom did not contact their GP within six months.
The findings are from a Cancer-Research UK-funded YouGov survey of 6,844 people across the UK that looked at the public’s attitudes, awareness and behaviours across key early diagnosis, screening and prevention topics. Red flag symptoms include:
A change in the appearance of a mole
An unexplained lump or swelling
Unexplained bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
A sore that does not heal
Blood in pee or poo
Persistent difficulty swallowing
Losing weight without trying to
Coughing up blood
Difficulty getting a GP appointment, choosing to manage symptoms alone, or simply having too many other things to worry about are some of the reasons people put off discussing a health concern with a healthcare professional.**
A red flag symptom could be caused by conditions other than cancer and a visit to a GP will allow for an urgent suspected cancer referral, so symptoms can be investigated by a specialist if required. More than 90 percent of urgent referrals will not be diagnosed with cancer but if it is, diagnosing at an early stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
For those who continued to experience red flag symptoms after seeing their GP, a worrying 43 percent did not follow up with their doctor.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said:“Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, that’s why it’s so important to spot cancer early – when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“Support is there for people who notice something that’s not right for them and we’ve partnered with Tesco to support early diagnosis of cancer. Through our partnership, it’s easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns, which we hope will save lives.”
Data from Cancer Research UK highlights why spotting cancer early is so important. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK*** – but around 9 in 10 people in England will survive the disease for five years or more if they are diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to around 1 in 10 at the latest stage.****
The findings come as Cancer Research UK continues its partnership with Tesco to help address barriers and support people to seek help for potential cancer symptoms through Tesco Pharmacies.
The partnership aims to prompt those who are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about cancer to get information and support while they shop in over 350 large Tesco stores across the country.
Tom Lye, Tesco Health & Wellness Category Director, said:“Tesco pharmacists are often a convenient and trusted first point of contact for our customers and colleagues who have health concerns.
“Through our partnership with Cancer Research UK, we’re making it easier them to have health conversations in a private setting without needing to book an appointment.
“Our pharmacists are on hand in over 350 large Tesco stores to offer support, and help people take the next step if something doesn’t feel right.”
Tesco pharmacists have received specialist training from Cancer Research UK to provide support on possible signs and symptoms of cancer. If someone notices something that is unusual for them, they can have an initial conversation with a Tesco pharmacist in a convenient, private setting, and receive guidance on taking the next steps and booking a GP appointment if needed.
There are many barriers in day-to-day life preventing people from getting health concerns checked out. These confidential conversations can take place at a time that fits around customers’ schedules – including at evenings and weekends – without the need for an appointment, and they can even be combined with their weekly shop.
Tesco pharmacists are available all year round, with Cancer Research UK and Tesco running a health campaign from Monday 22 June – Sunday 5 July 2026 to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of cancer, and support customers to seek help if they’ve noticed something unusual for them.
Carlton Hayman’s story
Carlton Hayman, 67, from Coventry, is a Grocery Assistant at Tesco. When he started having difficulty swallowing food in 2024, he spoke to Tesco Pharmacy Manager, Nik Thakrar, 40.
Nik’s training from Cancer Research UK had reinforced to him that this was a red flag cancer symptom, so he encouraged Carlton to speak to his GP. Carlton was subsequently diagnosed with oesophageal cancer at a treatable stage.
“It just felt like the food wasn’t going down properly,” Carlton said: “Because there was no pain or other symptoms, I didn’t think it was anything serious at the time.
“But after finishing a shift one day, I decided to pop over and speak to Nik. He was very thorough – he took the time to ask me a range of questions.
“After that, he told me that something didn’t seem right and that I should get it checked urgently. I went to see my GP that same week and was referred for an endoscopy shortly after. It was during that test that I was diagnosed with cancer.
“Nik encouraging me to get my symptoms checked straight away really made a difference – it gave me the push I needed to take that first step.
“Nik and his team had been doing my prescriptions for years, so I trusted him. I’m really glad I went to speak to him that day – it made all the difference.”
Nik said: “When Carlton came to speak with me, my priority was to listen carefully and take his concerns seriously.
“I had recently completed training on recognising red flag cancer symptoms, which gave me confidence in what to look out for. With that at the front of my mind, I advised him to go and see his GP as soon as possible.
“Carlton’s case highlights how important it is for people to trust their instincts and seek advice from a health professional if something doesn’t feel right. Community pharmacies are there to support, and no concern is too small to talk about.
“Early conversations can make a real difference, and pharmacists are well placed to support those first steps.”
