A CANCER survivor has praised the work of a programme which aims to help people living with the disease to become more active.

Gill Jackson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer about eight years ago, has spoken about her process of her recovery and rehabilitation since her years of treatment in Blackburn and Preston hospitals.

After five years of treatment and medication, she was told by doctors that she was cancer free in 2014, and joined the MacMillan Move More programme about 18 months ago.

The ‘Move More’ project helps people with cancer across East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen to become more fit by taking part in activities including gym, walking, cycling, archery, spinning, swimming and party size classes.

Gill, 50, from Blackburn, said: “After my operation and all the treatment, I was left fatigued, depressed and had lost confidence. It is difficult to get back to normal when you have gone through so much. It puts strains and stresses not only on yourself, but on friends and family around you.

“On a visit to Pendleside Hospice, I picked up a leaflet about the MacMillan Move More programme and it seemed like the perfect option to help me get some confidence and fitness back.

“I’ve not looked back since and am now a lot fitter than I was before I joined the programme.

“I go to the gym regularly and exercise a lot, eight years ago I would never have envisaged myself in this situation.

“I would urge people to give the programme a go. Look at me! It’s given me a new level of self-confidence to the point where I took part in the 24-hour Relay for Life in aid of Cancer Research.

“Without the support of the Move More programme I could not have imagined doing something so ambitious.

“So I’d like to thank everyone involved with the Move More programme who really helped me get more fit.”

Kathryn Creech, local Move More Co-ordinator said there is a social aspect to the programme, which gives people confidence ‘to get out and about again’.

Ms Creech said: “Gill came to us and we helped her get back to the gym and try a range of activities including Water Walking sessions at Darwen Leisure Centre.

“People often lack confidence with the impact of cancer treatment and physical activity can help reduce fatigue; reduce anxiety; help to maintain a healthy weight; manage the side effects of treatment; reduce osteoporosis and helps to look after your heart.

Taster sessions are available for people wanting to give the programme a trail, with the first of these taking place in Witton Park Cycling Centre in Blackburn on July 1.

‘Dance for your Cuppa’ sessions are also run as part of the scheme, where people can enjoy a free fun dance afternoon with coffee and tea afterwards.

The next scheduled session is in Poplar Social Club, Wellington Street, Accrington on July 20.

For more information about the Move More programme, visit www.refreshbwd.com/service/movemore/