Cancer survivor Ann is in the pink over how class helped her
A MUM diagnosed with breast cancer vowed to her teenage daughters: “I’m not going to leave you.”
Ann Hunt, from Donisthorpe, won her health battle and is now singing the praises of fitness help which has changed her life.
Mother-of-two Ann Hunt is urging more women to sign up to “In the Pink” – which uses, among other things, belly dancing and African drumming, to help cancer survivors keep fit.
She says it has improved her posture and strength, both of which were affected by surgery for the disease, as well as helping her make new friends who understood the emotional impact of treatment.
The 57-year-old said: “When my doctor at Measham Medical Unit sent me a letter about ‘In the Pink,’ I thought ‘this can’t be right!’ My treatment was more than 10 years ago, so I did not think I would be eligible.
“But when I contacted the charity, they said I was. I can’t recommend ‘In the Pink’ highly enough. I wish every woman who had been treated for breast cancer had access to a class like it.”
The self-employed administration assistant was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. She had a single mastectomy and lymph glands removed, before being given the all-clear.
“It was a dark time. I was bringing up two teenage daughters on my own, and in my heart all I was thinking was: ‘I’m not going to let you go, I’m not going to leave you – that’s not going to happen.’
“After my treatment, I made a lot of promises about exercising more and looking after myself. But over the years, I must admit my good intentions fell by the wayside.
“The course has put me back on track. My strength and my posture have improved and it’s helped me get back into healthier habits.”
She has become so passionate about the benefits she gained, that she now volunteers for the charity which runs In The Pink, Supporting Confidence Through Exercise, which was launched in 2016 and is also based in Measham.
“In the Pink” is a free, eight-session programme which helps patients get back to fitness using gentle Pilatesbased exercises, as well as less orthodox activities such as belly dancing, Nordic walking and African drumming.
The next programme starts on Wednesday, February 27, at Oakland Village, in Swadlincote. It is funded by the Coalfields Community Investments Programme.
More than 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and one in eight women will develop the disease in their lifetime.
Supporting Confidence Through Exercise programme co-ordinator Michelle ScottWorthington said: “We are grateful to Ann, for being so open about her cancer experience, and to Measham Medical Unit for passing on our details to her.
“What her story highlights is that as a society we need to talk much more about what happens after cancer treatment – both physically and emotionally.
“So many women are living with issues, such as muscle weakness, that can have real knock-on effects, but which can be really improved by gentle purposeful exercise.”
Dr Clare Swaebe, from Measham Medical Unit, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to offer patients from our practice the chance to join the ‘In the Pink’ programme.
“It offers not only an excellent Pilatesbased exercise programme but is a wonderful source of support and encouragement at a time when women may be feeling emotionally and physically challenged after the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.”
More details about the programme is available by calling 0300 365 9791 or emailing info@scte-activities.org.uk Ann Hunt
I wish every woman who had been treated for breast cancer had access to a class like it.