In a far-sighted move, Bridport Leisure Centre in Dorset has just launched the first exercise on prescription programme for people living with cancer, or who have had cancer.

Led by a cancer rehabilitation specialist, Stepping Out will be offered as a carefully monitored medical referral programme for blocks of 12 weeks, with two sessions a week.

Each session will consist of a suitable exercise routine, followed by a variety of educational talks and guest speakers on subjects such as nutrition, fatigue and stress management.

“There is abundant evidence that exercise and proactive holistic lifestyle and dietary changes can help prevent people from getting cancer and additionally reduce recurrence risk and improve survival,” said Dr Jo Cotton, a GP who helped start the scheme. "We are really excited about the new cancer exercise rehab scheme and hope we can bring about lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of those facing cancer."

West Dorset District Council is funding the programme, along with £30,000 from Macmillan Cancer Support and investment from Dorset County Council's Olympic Legacy Fund.

Participants will be regularly assessed and measured to track and monitor progress. The results will form part of a national evaluation using academics from Dorset Living Well Active and Bournemouth University.

Nick Neale, general manager of Bridport Leisure Centre, spawned the idea 18 months ago, following an impromptu meeting with Dr Cotton, since then many charities and organisations became involved to bring the project to fruition. “We want to work alongside the community and breakdown the barriers to participation to the leisure centre which can be daunting for a lot of people," he said.