Fitness class has helped around 100 patients fight back against cancer

Former nurse Lorraine Bridges is one of the individuals to feel the benefit of Move More, which is part of a three year project aimed at helping those diagnosed with the disease.

Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and run by Inverclyde Leisure, it has been so successful bosses are now looking at developing it further.

Lorraine, 58, from Port Glasgow, said: "I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.

"This is a great class because it gets you moving and you get the chance to meet other people going through the same thing.

"It makes me feel so much better."

The 58-year-old has joined a circuit class, which is one of a number of services supported by the cancer charity locally.

After retiring from nursing Lorraine started to volunteer in the local Marie Curie shop and is now an assistant shop manager.

She jumped at the chance to work on her fitness and energy levels.

Lorraine added: "I went along to one of the Macmillan pop-up drop-ins because I was looking for something else and they referred me to this class."

The Move More class, which has been running for a year in Greenock Sports Centre, is open to anyone who has had a diagnosis of cancer.

Registrar Fiona Lindsay, 48, from Gourock has also taken the opportunity to join in.

She said: "I enjoy coming along and talking to other people with different cancers and different experiences.

"It is good because it doesn't matter how long ago you were diagnosed, you can still come along."

Also on the circuits is William Rudge, from Port Glasgow, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer and secondary bone cancer.

He said: "I have been in and out of hospital and this class really helps me."

Instructor Derek Barnes is fully trained in cancer rehabilitation and delivers a programme to help counter the effects of cancer treatment.

Inverclyde Leisure's Move More co-ordinator Gavin Campbell has also recently added on a gentle movement class as well the circuit training.

Gavin said: “We have had around a hundred referrals and it is going well.

"We can see the difference it makes to people after their 12 week programme."

Inverclyde Leisure operations manager Jim Lyons added: "We're delighted to be working with Macmillan to deliver this valuable and worthwhile programme across Inverclyde."

Anyone who would benefit from the Move More programme should email movemore@inverclydeleisure.com