Macmillan classes keep people with cancer active

Published Friday 29 May 2015 at 13:17

The new Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre is to host free classes to help people with breast cancer in Blackburn with Darwen become more active.

The ‘Gentle Aqua & Swim’ classes will take place on Thursdays from June 11 for six weeks from 7.15pm-8-15pm.

The free sessions are part of The Macmillan Move More programme which launched in January with a successful pilot programme in Blackburn giving people the chance to increase their activity levels and try out different activities such as Tai Chi, Pilates and gentle exercise circuits with support from the Council’s HeallthWISE team.

Move More is about helping people to find effective and safe ways to be active and stay active, no matter where they are on their cancer journey. It is part of The Macmillan Cancer Improvement Partnership – a pioneering initiative to provide better care and support for cancer patients from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

Alison, 53, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and attended sessions of the pilot programme at St Silas Parish Centre. She said:

“The Move More sessions have encouraged me to develop self-confidence and become more active by exercising with a group of people who have been through the same experiences as me.’’

Ruth Loft, 68, was 44 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer and diagnosed a second time 15 years ago. Ruth, who is also the Secretary of Blackburn and East Lancashire Breast Care Support Group and has supported the development of the activity sessions, said:

“The Move More sessions provide an excellent variety of exercises and at everyone’s own pace. I feel more flexible and confident!”

You will need a referral from your GP or nurse to attend the sessions. For help with that, or if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like support to be more active, call Beth Sutcliffe on: 07872 047684, or visit www.refreshbwd.com/service/movemore or on Facebook at Macmillan Move More East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

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