PIONEERING exercise therapy for people affected by cancer is on its way to Peebles.

Move More is a collaboration between Macmillan Cancer Support and Live Borders.

And over the past eight months it has been providing a multitude of benefits for people affected by cancer in the region.

The programme of gentle exercise was officially launched in Tweedbank at the start of the year.

And now a free taster session has been organised in Peebles for Friday, September 1.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Live Borders, told the Peeblesshire News: “The Move More team has enjoyed successes throughout many areas in the Scottish Borders, and we’re looking forward to seeing this network of support develop and flourish within the Peebles area."

As well as walking groups there are gentle movement sessions, aquarobics and gardening groups at venues across the region.

Extensive research has shown that being active during and after treatment for cancer is both safe and hugely beneficial.

Health and exercise professionals gave their backing to the scheme which already has its fair share of success stories.

Macmillan Nurse Consultant at Borders General Hospital Judith Smith told us: "It is great to have a resource like this locally to refer people to and it fits well with other services we are working to deliver particularly around support after treatment.

"Often people struggle with confidence after being diagnosed with cancer and this type of programme not only benefits their physical health but can boost self-confidence too.”

Patients have already enjoyed physical improvements from the Move More sessions as well as feeling less tired, having more energy and reducing their risk of cancer recurrence.

Stuart Paton, Macmillan Move More development officer added: “The programme is really accessible - beginners can take part in gentle exercise which adapts with them as they progress.

"The programme offers everything from gentle movement classes, which are focused on breathing to encourage relaxation, to walking groups and gardening sessions, which allow patients to build up higher levels of activity when the timing is right for them."

The Move More taster session at The Gytes in Peebles takes place between 11am and 2pm on Friday, September 1.

There is also a Move More walk every Monday in Peebles, leaving from the Burgh Hall at 11am.

And a gentle movement class at the Gytes every Tuesday between 12 noon and 1pm.