Local author credits regular exercise with aiding her cancer rehabilitation
Local author, Gail Styles, a member here at our centre, credits regular visits to our gym as a significant factor in maintaining her well-being throughout her journey living with cancer.
Gail was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood/bone marrow cancer, in 2020, but at the same time she was caring for her husband, Pete, who was living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He sadly passed away in 2022, and this very challenging period is detailed in Gail’s first book, published recently - ‘Cancer v MND’.
She is currently in the process of writing a second, which will cover the period since her husband died, and she started attending cancer rehab fitness sessions at the Aquadrome.
Prior to becoming a gym goer, Gail had been attending workshops at a local cancer charity, the Pink Place. It was there, she heard about our cancer rehab sessions being run by fitness coach, Aaron Boyd.
Gail takes up the story:
“It took a bit of courage to come to the gym that first day, but I’m pleased I did. Aaron is so patient and understanding. He makes sure you only do what you’re capable of – he never rushes you.
“I am determined to carry on living, enjoying life as much as I can. By staying active, coming to the gym regularly, I feel my quality of life has improved drastically.
“I’ll be honest though, I’m still in pain most days. My cancer hasn’t gone away. I’m in remission, but it will come back one day, I know that, and it’s something I live with.
“All I can do is to carry on getting as much out of life as I can. I challenge myself, which is why I come to the gym, and why I abseiled from the local hospital and jumped out of a plane in 2021.
“Coming to the gym has helped me be more mobile. I’d never have been able to do those challenges without Aaron’s patient guidance.”
Aaron added:
"It's a privilege to support Gail and so many other individuals on their rehab journeys. Exercise is a powerful tool for both physical and mental well-being, especially for those living with or recovering from cancer. Anyone interested in joining our rehab programme should talk to their GP or health service provider.”
“I’d like to congratulate her on the publication of her book. I’m sure it’ll be an inspiring read, as Gail is an inspirational woman!”