A SUPPORT group for men affected by prostate cancer is celebrating two years of an exercise class.

Exercise can benefit people affected by cancer. For that reason, the North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group (NHPCSG) approached Basingstoke Sports Centre to see if it would run a weekly class just for Group members. The Sports Centre was very receptive to the idea. That was two years ago and the exercise group is still going from strength to strength.

Every Monday morning in the Sports Centre, there’s an hour’s circuit class involving cardio vascular and strength building exercises.

The group's publicity officer Ken Woolgar said: "As well as physical fitness, the sessions encourage a sense of togetherness in face of the challenges that prostate cancer brings. Team spirit is reinforced by members wearing polo shirts with the Group’s logo.

"At first, some members were a bit apprehensive about taking part. However, sessions are fun, with people exercising at their own pace. Some partners were also a bit worried."

One partner said: "My husband really enjoys these sessions and gets a lot out of them. He’s really glad that he took the plunge and signed up."

Stephanie Wallis, an instructor at the Centre, runs the classes. She said: "They are a fantastic bunch and I really enjoy working out with them."

NHPCSG offers help to men and their partners affected by this disease. The Group runs monthly meetings and regular social events. Members get together, share experiences, and benefit from mutual support.

The Group is supported by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, by Prostate Cancer UK and by Macmillan Cancer UK.

For more details about the Group visit its Facebook page: facebook.com/basingstoke.prostate.cancer.support