Sports trust Aquaterra has revealed that since launching its Cancer Survivorship Exercise Programme in May 2012, 60 participants have joined the scheme and nearly 90 per cent have reported improved energy levels, activity, confidence and wellbeing.

The community-based physical activity intervention programme promotes the physical and psychological wellbeing of cancer survivors by increasing activity levels, supporting a healthy lifestyle and promoting secondary prevention. It seeks to benefit cancer survivors, their families, friends and the local health care system.

Of the participants so far, aged from 19 to 85 years old,  83 per cent reported improved energy and levels of physical activity and 89 per claimed improved confidence and enhanced sense of wellbeing. Seventy-eight per cent reported improved cardiovascular fitness.

 Deryn Howard recently participated in and completed this programme and said: "In the summer of 2010 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went from being a fit and active person to finding myself debilitated by the extensive treatments I received. I not only felt that I needed to rebuild my physical fitness, but also my self-confidence.  

 "I've now completed my three months on the programme and slowly but surely my fitness is returning and I've lost weight!  I am now confident to go in to the gym and complete my programme of exercises, progressively increasing the sets I do! 

 "I'm so grateful that this programme has been available to help me rebuild my life, my physical and emotional strength."

 Antony Kildare, Chief Executive of Aquaterra said: "I'm proud that this progressive exercise programme is helping to improve individuals' physical and emotional wellbeing living with or beyond cancer as it is Aquaterra's mission to improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing through leisure, fitness and sports activities that are accessible for all."

The scheme is free to residents of Islington and Camden who have been referred by a health professional.

Photograph: Deryn Howard, who successfully completed the Aquaterra Cancer Survivorship Exercise Programme