An initiative to improve the health of people living with and beyond cancer by getting more active has been launched.

The programme, Move More Wandsworth, was set up by Macmillan Cancer Support and Enable Leisure and Culture and aims to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

The scheme will include one-to-one sessions to create an individually-tailored activity programme.

Move More Wandsworth is part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s national campaign to guarantee that victims of cancer are supported to become physically active during and after their treatment.

Research shows exercise can play a vital role preventing and managing some of the effects of treatment such as depression, heart related risks and fatigue.

Owen Carter, Macmillan GP for Wandsworth said that the New Year is "the time for resolutions and aims for the future".

He said: "Our new programme is designed to help people facing the disease to become and stay active at a level that’s right for them; whether that’s doing some gardening, joining a walking group, or joining a 'get back into sport' programme during or after treatment."

Mr Carter said the change does not have to be huge, adding: "Every step counts and small increases in physical activity, like walking to the bus stop, can have a big impact on your health.

"This is about providing opportunities for people to get moving more in a way that suits them, fits within their lifestyle and is enjoyable."

Cancer survivor Mary George, 52 from Merton, played netball during her recovery from lung cancer in 2015.

She said: "Being told I had lung cancer was a huge shock. I don’t smoke, I’m not a drinker and I’ve always been quite an active person.

"I’ve always loved netball, so – when I was told I needed surgery to have part of my lung removed – I was devastated to hear that I’d probably not be able to play again.

Mary said she went in her "shell" after surgery and began to feel very sorry for herself.

She added: "I couldn’t get up and move around, and I would talk myself out of activity because I felt vulnerable.

"My family and the Macmillan nurses were very supportive and they all encouraged me to do little things to move around a bit more, but it’s programmes like Move More Wandsworth that really help you get your confidence back that much faster."

It has been a year since Mary’s surgery and she is playing netball again, even organising a charity netball event in Battersea.

She said: "It’s not just about the exercise, but also about the social side being part of a team.

"Of course, the exercise helps; my surgeon even told me that – had I not been so fit and had such good lung capacity – I might not have been able to have the surgery that saved my life."  

To take part in the new scheme, or to find out more, contact Beth Brown, Macmillan Move More coordinator for Move More Wandsworth on 020 8871 6756 or email.  

For information and advice about getting active, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit the website.