'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 a local resident, Katie, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Last week she attended the first free fitness classes in Haslemere run by Green & Blue Studios.

Jill Steele, a mum-of-three from Haslemere, had the initial idea for the classes. Jill was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer during the pandemic. A regular golfer and hiker, the lockdown meant Jill could not access her usual fitness routine at a time when she needed it the most. However, following 16 rounds of chemotherapy at The Royal Surrey and an eight-hour operation at The Royal Marsden, Jill threw herself into fitness classes including HIIT, pilates, yoga, spin and circuits. She believes strongly in the power of sport in aiding her recovery. However, focusing on her own fitness was not enough! 

The fitness classes that helped Jill's recovery took place at Green & Blue Studios in Haslemere. The studio is owned by Anabel Baca-Gomez, a former professional dancer, aerial skills specialist, personal trainer and yoga teacher. Anabel lost her husband Thomas to bowel cancer in 2023 after a long and traumatic battle. 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.'

Knowing the difference that fitness can make, Anabel and Jill joined forces with another local resident Maria Mateo to set up free wellness and fitness classes for cancer patients and their primary caregivers in Haslemere and the surrounding area.

Since November, a number of primary caregivers have enjoyed free membership at Green & Blue. This determined trio then extended the programme so that cancer patients are now also able to attend classes for free led by specialist (level 4) qualified trainers. These sessions aim to support both the physical and emotional well-being of patients and carers, providing a welcoming community space where they can heal together. Jill says, 'We already have several people attending classes who are just a few weeks from finishing treatment. I think it's important not to wait for too long before rebuilding strength and confidence.' 

Their efforts are supported by both the Haslemere Health Centre and The Fountain Centre. The latter is a cancer support charity based at The Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford. Both are referring patients to the classes. Anne Pike, Head of The Fountain Centre, says, '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 these classes have had is clear.  Phoebe is another local resident undergoing cancer treatment who took part in the first class last week. She said,  'I wanted to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the cancer class. Jenny was absolutely amazing, so kind and thoughtful, it couldn't have been a better session. Exercise was so important to my physical and mental wellbeing before my cancer diagnosis. Knowing what you are able to do afterwards is really challenging but really important for recovery. 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. Thank you again for this glimmer of hope amongst all the rubbish."

All classes are free thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts. If local residents would like to contribute, it is possible to make a personal donation to help fund the free classes. You can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/greenandblue-wellnessandfitnessforcancersupport. 

For more details on the classes, or to sign up please contact info@greenandbluestudios.com. Patients can be referred to the classes by a local GP or by The Fountain Centre. Classes are open to both cancer patients and their primary caregivers.