Hunts Community Cancer Network is teaming up with One Leisure Active Lifestyles to promote exercise for those managing a cancer diagnosis.

The partnership is all about making it easy to restart an exercise routine or to find out which exercise would be best to help kick start a new regime. The programme is aimed at all those with a diagnosis regardless of age.

Trustee for HCCN charity Susan Moore said that evidence shows that exercise is beneficial to people recovering or living with cancer.

“We know from user feedback that people want to leave the label of ‘cancer patient’ behind so that once enrolled in the programme it will feel just like a normal class,”

She added: “One where they can progress at their own pace without competition or pressure, a place to support each other within the group and to have fun.”

Susan Hall, 54, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She had six months of treatment, including two operations, plus chemo and radiotherapy.

“I was apprehensive about going to ‘the gym’, as I’ve never been a big fan and didn’t think it would be for me. But, how wrong I was,” she said in a case study for the programme.

The class she attended was tailored to her needs, taking into account her medical history, and current fitness level. She had a very gentle introduction to circuit classes, in a friendly, relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Susan wrote: “After just a few weeks I can honestly say that I’ve seen an improvement in my health and well-being. I’m more confident, fitter and have improved my balance and range of arm movements.”

The Active Lifestyle Team is qualified to understand all exercising needs in level 4 cancer rehab. The HCCN nursing team will be able to complete a referral form for anyone who has been under their care which provides all the information the class leader needs.

INFO: The new programme begins on Tuesday, January 8, at One Leisure St Neots (4pm–5pm) and Thursday, January 10, at One Leisure St Ives (4.30pm – 5.30pm). Contact Susan Moore at the HCCN charity on: 07738 208831 or Darren Lander from the lifestyle team on: 01480 388857.