Retreat for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers – 21st – 25th July 2025
Aimed at anyone with a current diagnosis or in recovery. Also for anyone caring professionally or personally
Set in the heart of the Lake District at historic Yew Tree Farm, the Herdwick Brain Health Experience is a pioneering 5-day holistic retreat designed by leading neuro-oncologist Dr. Soma Sengupta in collaboration with The Herdwick Experience.
This intimate and restorative programme is designed specifically for cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers, supporting emotional, neurological, and physical wellbeing through a carefully curated mix of science, nature, and therapeutic experiences.
A Grounded, Holistic Experience
Set in the quiet beauty of the Lake District, this five-day programme—co-created by renowned neuro-oncologist Dr. Soma Sengupta and The Herdwick Experience – offers a gentle, inclusive space for cancer survivors, their families, and carers.
Sessions will take place each afternoon, leaving mornings free for rest or exploration. Days are 3-4 hours long, designed to be enriching without being overwhelming.
An Integrative, Educational Workshop
Each afternoon will feature guided educational sessions drawn from neuroscience, mindful living, and nature-based practices, including:
- Brain health education led by Dr. Soma Sengupta
- Gentle, therapeutic time with Herdwick sheep in a lake ‘district Mountain landscape
- Mindfulness and creativity sessions in a natural setting
- Optional group discussion and reflection time
- A special nutrition afternoon
What to Expect
- Expert-led neuroscience-informed educational health sessions
- Gentle farm-based therapeutic activities with our Herdwick sheep
- Mindfulness, creativity, and connection workshops
- Guided time in nature, reflective space, and nourishing food
- Space to just be
Agenda: Monday 21st – Friday 25th July 2025
Day 1
Dr. Soma Sengupta
Mindfulness and Exercise
- Meditation Practices
- Walking Meditation
- Simple Breathing Exercises
- Chair Yoga
- 1 – 5PM
Day 2
Dr. Soma Sengupta
Nutrition
- Discussing nutrition and supplements
- 1 – 5pm
Day 3
Dr. Soma Sengupta
Herbs & Herb Teas
- Identifying local herbs and explore creating herbal teas
- 1 – 5PM
Day 4
Dr. Lilla Cooper, Jo McGrath – The Herdwick Experience
Holistic Healing
- Acupuncture; an ancient form of healing for the modern world.
- TCM diagnosis and actionable guidance (TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- 1 – 5PM
Day 5
Catherine Hocking, Jo McGrath
Harnessing Creativity
- Music
- Art
- 1 – 5PM
Further Information
Fees from full-paying participants help fund assisted places for those in financial need.
This course is made possible thanks to the unpaid contributions of the facilitators and the generosity of Yew Tree Farm.
Please Note
Dr. Soma Sengupta will not be providing medical or clinical advice.
Meals and accommodation are not included. Participants will need to arrange their own.
Dr. Soma Sengupta
Dr Sengupta trained in medicine and completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London), and is a neurologist, neuro-oncologist and integrative medicine trained physician. She is a professor in Neurology and a vice chair of research in Neurosurgery at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Dr. Lilla Cooper
Lilla gained a doctorate in cancer research in 1989 and was involved in post-doctoral research in Britain, the United States and Japan.
In Japan Lilla found acupuncture and a holistic approach to health to be widely practised in mainstream medicine and began an interest in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This interest led to 7 years of training in acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
Lilla helped to establish the first UK MSc course in acupuncture at York University.
For the last 20 years Lilla has been practising acupuncture from her own integrated health clinic, The Little Green Clinic, in Ulverston, Cumbria.
The Little Green Clinic currently hosts a harmonious group of specialist physios, nutritionists, doctors, acupuncturists and osteopaths; bringing their skills together to help clients from all over the UK find their way to feeling their very best.
Catherine Hocking
Catherine Hocking has a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
She programmes public concerts at Nottingham Lakeside Arts. This encompasses a broad range of chamber, early, jazz, contemporary, world, roots and folk music by international and UK musicians.
She manages the professionally conducted large ensembles: University Philharmonia, Choir and Chamber Choir and programme public concerts by these ensembles.
