Local group Happy Feet Fitness provides community-based fitness activities across Worcester and are starting the new season of its Walking to Fitness group this week.

The group is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis and it is ideal for anyone wanting to stay active during treatment or become more active once treatment has finished.

It is an interval based walking programme, alternating slightly faster than normal walking with slower walking, it is all done at the participants’ own pace, and during the recovery phase everyone comes back together, the Happy Feet team ensure that  no one is ever left behind and no one is pressured to keep up.

Happy Feet Fitness is run by mother and daughter Marie Tyrell and Rhiannon Eling who live in Worcester. Marie aged 57 has previously been a patient at the Worcestershire Breast Unit and set up Happy Feet Fitness with Rhiannon as a means of combining health and to create a way to earn a living following her breast cancer treatment.

From this week, the Happy Feet Fitness walking group will be held every Wednesday from 12.30pm until 1.45pm and the walks are open to all abilities. 

The group departs from the Worcestershire Breast Unit which is on site at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and varies its route locally, often taking in Worcester Woods.

The routes are suitable for all levels and abilities and are open to all cancer patients.

Gentle exercise is recognised as being beneficial for those with a cancer diagnosis, both physically and mentally. It can be difficult for cancer sufferers to find an activity where they can come when they feel up to it, and stay home when they don’t. Happy Feet Fitness runs a rolling programme, so missing a week or two won’t matter, the group won’t have moved on too far for individuals to come back.

“Since launching the walking group from the Worcestershire Breast Unit earlier this year, we have seen friendships forged and fitness levels develop. We know how daunting it can be to join a new group, particularly if you have the added stresses of a cancer diagnosis or treatment to contend with.

“We understand how important friends and family can be to the participants, so they are more than welcome to join the group too. We would love to welcome new people to come along and give it a go – we are a friendly bunch!” says Marie.

The cost is £2 per session, pay as you go.