Films supporting an innovative health and wellbeing education programme for people with incurable cancer have been given a cinematic premiere.
The Thinking Ahead Programme was launched at Leeds Odeon Luxe as a celebration for those involved in the videos’ production, with participants and partners among the specially invited guests.
The seven-week programme covers a range of topics including keeping active, diet, faith and spirituality, estates and benefits. The programme was devised by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in 2018.
Barnsley-based video production company, Deadline Digital, began production on the films in November 2024. The six-month project resulted in over two hours of content, featuring patient interviews, education modules, and practical advice delivered by health professionals, charity representatives and hospital chaplains.
“It’s been such a pleasure to work on the project and tell the stories of some amazing people. Everyone involved with the Thinking Ahead Programme has been amazing to work with and I hope the films we’ve produced will help to share the programme and help more people across the country.”
Toby Gavelle – Senior Video Journalist, Deadline Digital
The films were funded by the Cancer Alliance’s annual innovation competition funding and include professionals, patients and family members from the four trusts offering the programme – Harrogate, Calderdale and Huddersfield, Leeds and Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospital Trusts.
Geoff Fox, Managing Director at Deadline Digital was invited to speak at the event alongside the Thinking Ahead Programme Project Manager, Helen Jones. Both speeches were received by a warm round of applause before the films were shown to an audience of over 60, including NHS executives, participants from the films, their families and friends.
“Thinking Ahead is an amazing programme that is going to make a difference to a lot of people. We’ve seen and heard from people who’ve benefited from it as part of this production, so it’s amazing to think these films are going to be used to help many, many more people.”
Geoff Fox – MD, Deadline Digital
“I just want to say a huge thanks to all the participants for opening their homes, hearts and lives. Their courage, generosity and honesty are at the very core of what makes these films so powerful. It takes a rare kind of bravery to share deeply personal experiences so that others might feel less alone, and we’re truly grateful.
I’d also like to pay tribute to the team here at Deadline who have gone above and beyond to create films which are sensitive, moving and beautifully made.”
“I’ve just felt so proud watching it. What an amazing achievement. The patients, honestly, were just incredible. They spoke with such openness and honesty and I think they’ll be an inspiration to other patients and families in years to come.”
Helen Jones – Project Manager, Thinking Ahead Programme
The videos are to be rolled out nationally in NHS trusts across the UK.
