"Just had my first fitness class at Green & Blue. Honestly, it was the best thing ever. I cried because it's the first time in ages that I felt like my old self. So grateful.”

These were the words of Katie, a local resident undergoing cancer treatment. Last week, she attended afree fitness class in Haslemere run by Green & Blue Studios.

The initiative for these free wellness and fitness sessions came from Jill Steele, a mum-of-three from Haslemere, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer during the pandemic. As a regular golfer and hiker, Jill struggled to maintain her fitness routine during lockdown, finding it difficult to access the support she needed. After enduring 16 rounds of chemotherapy and an eight-hour operation at The Royal Marsden, Jill turned to fitness classes like HIIT, pilates, yoga, spin, and circuits to aid her recovery. She quickly realised the physical and emotional benefits of fitness.

The fitness classes that helped Jill’s recovery took place at Green & Blue Studios in Haslemere, owned by Anabel Baca-Gomez, a former professional dancer and personal trainer. Anabel lost her husband Thomas to bowel cancer in 2023.

Anabel said: “I wish there had been classes on offer designed to help Thomas stay active during his treatment, not only to keep him moving but also to help his confidence and mental health.”

Seeing the difference fitness made, Anabel and Jill partnered with Maria Mateo to set up free wellness and fitness classes for cancer patients and their caregivers in Haslemere and the surrounding area.

Launched in November, these classes are open to cancer patients and their primary caregivers, offering a chance to heal and rebuild strength both physically and emotionally. The classes, led by specialist level 4 trainers, create a supportive, community-driven environment. Jill believes it’s essential to start rebuilding strength and confidence soon after treatment.

She said:” If I can help anyone whose going through what I went through then that would be amazing.”

The efforts of Jill, Anabel, and Maria have been supported by local health organisations, including Haslemere Health Centre and The Fountain Centre, a cancer support charity at The Royal Surrey Hospital. Anne Pike, Head of The Fountain Centre, emphasised the importance of exercise during and after cancer treatment, stating, "Exercise is so important during and after cancer treatment. Every cancer patient should be encouraged to exercise for their physical and mental wellbeing."

The immediate impact of the classes is clear. Phoebe, another local resident undergoing treatment, attended the first session and said: “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve provided a very safe space to feel like a small piece of myself again, and it’s the most positive I’ve felt in ages."

All classes are free thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts. To contribute, visit: https://tinyurl.com/fitnessfightingcancer

For more information or to sign up, contact [email protected]. Classes are open to cancer patients and caregivers, with referrals from GPs or The Fountain Centre.