MUNIB’S STORY
Munib has received care from the team at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for a condition that makes physical activity difficult and causes fatigue, and in the future, will have to undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant operation. Alongside his ongoing care, he does take part in physical activity, namely swimming and going to the gym, but the enthusiasm to pursue this alongside his condition has been tough.
To help, Munib was referred by his physio at GOSH to take part in Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s specialised programme, which offers young patients one-to-one mentoring designed to use personal, social and emotional development practices to increase the participants’ confidence, self-esteem and resilience, and increase physical activity. Since launching the programme in partnership with GOSH last year, the Trust has worked with 53 young people as part of their healthcare plan.
Our world class athlete mentors, work with young people using their unique skills and experience from the world of elite sport to act as mentors and role models, promoting the intrinsic link between physical and mental wellbeing as a core concept. They provide encouragement, support and importantly, someone to talk to who is not part of their healthcare plan - considered extremely valuable by many young people.
The sessions focus on encouraging and motivating young people to become more active during their hospital stay, and once they return home. After being referred by their care team, young people are encouraged to choose an athlete mentor they feel they best relate to and take part in a minimum of three one-to-one mentoring sessions. The sessions are delivered online to be accessible from hospital and during their recovery.
Munib and Harry built a strong relationship through the process
Munib was paired up with mentor Harry Baker, who plays for the England Cerebral Palsy football team and through their joint love of football, the pair formed a strong supportive relationship. Harry shared his experiences as an elite sportsperson, and as a person with a disability, to help Munib improve his attendance at the gym and swimming.
Munib’s mum shared her thoughts on the time spent with athlete mentor, Harry: “Munib liked talking to Harry, maybe his favourite part was someone successful in football and knowledgeable in fitness giving him advice.”
Reflecting on their sessions, Harry noted how much Munib developed: “When we first started working together he wasn’t very confident in telling me about his life… but the more we spoke, we found common ground, both enjoying football and this allowed Munib to open up more and tell me more about himself.
Munib became more chatty and confident with each session, it was lovely to see! Also seeing him attempting and succeeding in the goals we set together was great - he should be really proud of himself!”
Highlighting the programme’s key aim of building confidence in young people, Munib’s mum added:
“I do feel after speaking to Harry, Munib felt confident, happy and relaxed. The sessions with Harry also showed him the importance of fitness and healthy eating for the human body, this increased his motivations towards the transplant and going to the gym.”
The programme has allowed Munib to look towards the future, including the operation, with confidence. Highlighting how the programme puts young people front and centre, Mum added: “I would recommend this programme to other parents, it has benefited Munib and it was amazing experience, he felt very special.”