A BIRMINGHAM fitness expert is backing a national campaign to encourage cancer survivors into exercise.

Macmillan Cancer Support this week released a report revealing that breast cancer patients can reduce the risk of the disease returning by 40 per cent if they take up regular exercise.

Exercise teacher Julie Robinson, who runs weekly classes for people with cancer at St Giles Hospice in Sutton Coldfield, said her experience backs up these figures.

“It’s great to see how surprised and impressed they are when they actually see the improvement,” said Julie, who has run 12-week courses at the hospice for three years.

Julie, who also helps run Breast Friends breast cancer support group, holds fitness classes across North Birmingham and has made a video for older people wanting to take up gentle exercise called Move It Or Lose It.