Cancer Rehabilitation Exercise Group Aids Recovery in Norwich

Participants in a cancer rehabilitation exercise program have shared their experiences regarding the benefits received during their recovery or ongoing treatment. This group, which holds sessions at the Riverside Leisure Centre in Norwich, receives support from the Big C charity and is believed to be the inaugural initiative of its type in Norfolk. Steve Stone, 65, a resident of Norwich, expressed that despite his desire to exercise, he “hated the idea of going to a gym” prior to attending these classes. He stated, “It’s encouraged me to look at doing some exercise myself, maybe in a gym environment.” Mr. Stone also mentioned appreciating the presence of “like-minded people” within a low-pressure setting. The program’s weekly meetings consist of an hour of light circuit training, utilizing equipment such as rowing machines and treadmills, concluding with an opportunity for tea or coffee. Nell, a participant in the sessions, shared that although she had always been active, she encountered difficulties following her cancer treatment. She explained, “Anybody who’s had chemotherapy knows that you lose all your core strength and a lot of us have got nerve damage. I was falling about all over the place and tripping over.” Nell further commented, “I tried the gym in recovery and beat myself up, desperately trying to get fit after chemo – this was perfect.” She added, “A lot of cancer support groups are wonderful and they work, but they can be very gloomy and I think this works for people who want to get on in a different way.” Pam Jackson, 70, from Attleborough, indicated that she enrolled in the classes after experiencing breast cancer on two occasions. She observed, “There’s men and women here, all ages, sizes and fitness levels.” Ms. Jackson continued, “We’re all in different stages of cancer or recovery. We all have a giggle and a laugh, you set your own goals. Each week I try and go a little bit higher.” The classes are led by David Lane, a fitness instructor who is also a trained cancer rehabilitation practitioner. He stated that establishing such a group was something he had “always wanted to do.” Mr. Lane explained, “It was the Big C who came and approached me to start a group up. We managed to secure some funding and we’ve started a group from here.” The sessions are scheduled to run until Christmas, with aspirations for additional funding to be secured to enable their continuation next year.