A NEW exercise class to help cancer patients regain their health following treatment is to start in Ilkley.

It will be run by Sally de la Poer, an experienced Chartered Physiotherapist, trained in cancer rehabilitation. Sally works at BodyFix Physiotherapy in Silsden. She qualified in 2003 with a first class degree in Physiotherapy and worked at St James’s Hospital and the Leeds General Infirmary for a number of years before going into private practice.

Sally said: "Having noticed a growing number of patients coming to us with cancer over the last few years I decided it was really important to develop my knowledge and skills. I am an APPI qualified Pilates instructor and I have a qualification from Pink Ribbon, the breast cancer charity, in Pilates. Just over two years ago I undertook the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation training and have been providing one on one specialist assessment and cancer rehabilitation at BodyFix Physio for the last two two years. It was during the development of this service that I came to realise how important an exercise class could be in promoting that rehabilitation in helping people return to active and fulfilled living."

Sally will run the class at the Ilkley Tennis and Squash Club on a Thursday afternoon during term time. It will be for a maximum of six people to allow for individualised attention. The cost is £5 a class booked as a block of six, each half term. The Tennis Club and Sally are both doing the project at reduced rates to raise awareness of the Pinc and Steel charity which aims to provide rehabilitation to anyone going through cancer.

"Many people find the period following active cancer treatment tough and face challenges transitioning back to their everyday lives," added Sally. "They need support to regain their health, and to improve their physical and emotional strength and quality of life. This cancer rehabilitation class aims to help people recovering from cancer shift their focus from illness to wellness.

"The class will combine the best Pilates, yoga and cardiovascular exercises for a workout that is specifically designed to help rebuild strength, flexibility and stamina. This will allow local people living with a cancer diagnosis the opportunity to regain their strength and confidence in a supportive and caring environment.

"It is suitable after any type of cancer surgery or treatment and accommodates all ages, fitness levels and mobility."

More Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation can be found on their website: www.pincandsteel.com. For more information about the Ilkley classes phone Sally de la Poer at BodyFix Physiotherapy 01535 658865.