Recipient Story: Pinc & Steel

Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation

Aoraki Foundation is proud to support the essential work of the PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation through the South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund and generous funding from the Bidwill Hospital Trust. This support ensures that people in the Aoraki region—many facing later‑stage diagnoses, rural isolation, financial strain and significant treatment side-effects—can access the rehabilitation they need to regain strength, confidence, and independence after cancer.

During a recent visit to one of the Timaru classes, Kirsty had the opportunity to hear directly from participants about the impact of this programme. “It’s just nice to be with people that understand the same situation,” one participant shared, highlighting the unique support that comes from being surrounded by others on the same journey. Another added, “You build up friendships… everything’s so different after treatment. Everything hurts—and coming to these exercise classes, the next day it hurts—but in a good way.”

Oncology physiotherapist Pam Allan explained how personalised the programme is—patients begin with funded one‑on‑one sessions and move into group classes when ready. Group sessions allow more people to be supported with the same funding while preserving the quality of care. “It’s a better use of funds… we can support more people in a more sustainable way in the group environment,” Pam explained.

The classes themselves are a blend of physical rehabilitation and meaningful connection. As Pam shared, many participants continue to self‑fund after their initial sessions because of the tangible benefits and the strong sense of community. Some even enjoy post‑class coffees together, adding a social lifeline that supports mental wellbeing.

 In the past three years, 1,288 rehabilitation sessions have been delivered in the Aoraki region. At a cost of less than a week’s groceries per person, the impact is immeasurable—enabling individuals to rebuild their lives, return to work, and reconnect with their families and communities.

The Aoraki Foundation is honoured to help make this transformational support possible.