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Ahead of World Cancer Day, we sat down with Georgina Connor to find out more about the last ten years she’s dedicated to teaching exercise classes to people with, or recovering from, cancer.
To better understand what led her here, we go back to Georgina’s school days where she loved taking part in sports - and even represented Jersey - but rather than being led by a competitive spirit, she mostly enjoyed each sport for its health, fitness and recreational benefits.
At university, Georgina decided to study Exercise Science - rather than the more popular Sports Science - because she was interested in learning how exercise helps disease management and medical conditions in the general population.
“I’ve always believed that exercise is like a medication, it’s something you prescribe that helps people.”
In her final year, Georgina studied the effect of exercise on childhood cancer and was amazed that exercise wasn’t prescribed by hospitals, which fuelled her desire to carve a career in the health and fitness industry where she could use exercise as a method to support medical conditions.
When a family member was diagnosed with cancer, Georgina discovered just how little was available for people going through treatment to stay fit and healthy.
She says: “My auntie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, and to me she was always someone who was fit and healthy. She used to play hockey and she loved running. She used to do so much sport and was far sportier than I was - and it got me thinking that it’s really weird that nowhere in Jersey offers anything for her. She just wants to go to a class; she just wants to do a bit of exercise but there's nothing on island to do, and there's no one qualified, no one insured. As soon as you say ‘stage four’, nobody wants to take you on. I knew how much it would mean to her to have that exercise support. So that started the cogs turning!”
After returning to Jersey from travelling abroad, Georgina jumped straight into getting her Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification which is essential before advancing onto level 4 specialist subjects. At the same time, she became a Retained Firefighter which allowed her to stay fit and healthy while helping people. She went on to complete the Exercise Referral qualification and began working at Fort Regent on the Government supported scheme, alongside Paola Mitchell, our current Healthhaus Medical Referral Manager.
With a few years of experience in the fitness industry under her belt, Georgina qualified as a level 4 Cancer, Neurological and Mental Health Specialist and began approaching people to support her goal of setting up similar programmes to the UK. She says:
"I approached various people and soon found the support of a Breast Care nurse, Senga McNeill, a breast-specific hospital physiotherapist called Lesley Sanderson, and a lady at the time who was the chair of ABC Jersey breast cancer charity - Cheryl Raphael, who has sadly passed now. All three thought it was a great idea and were enthusiastic to get the classes started. We approached Healthhaus and knew it was the perfect environment because it felt a little bit special and a little bit more premium. Nathalie Le Mottée and the team were delighted to collaborate and so it all started from there.”
The programme has expanded significantly over the years with more charities coming on board and Georgina is looking forward continued growth:
“At first it was just supported by ABC Jersey, the breast care nurse and the physio with me doing the delivery. Initially there were about 12 referrals, but now we get about 12 referrals in two weeks!
In the second year, I had a discussion with Macmillan, suggesting that we open up the programme to all cancers, not just breast cancer. We received funding for prostate cancer patients and ran classes at Fitness First for a year. Then funding came from FOJO where all cancers could be covered and since then it’s gone from strength to strength.
We introduced Reformer Pilates with Tania Le Couilliard at TLC Pilates in May 2025 through ABC Jersey and will soon be starting with Macmillan too. As the programme has grown so much, I’m also super grateful to Cat Allsopp who covers the classes for me during sickness or holidays. She’s been a massive support.”
The benefits of exercising with cancer, or post-treatment
Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are two of the leading risk factors for health and are estimated to attribute to one million deaths per year in the WHO European Region.
When it comes to the science behind exercising with cancer, a Melbourne Study between 1990-1994 showed that 57% of patients were alive after 5 years in the non-exercise group whilst 71% were alive in the exercise group.
Physical activity can benefit cancer patients in a variety of ways (Wright Foundation, 2016):
- Regain a sense of control over your life
- Reduce cancer-related fatigue
- Increase energy levels
- Improve quality of life
- Increase bone strength, heart health and life expectancy
- Improve muscular strength and endurance
- Decrease anxiety and depression
- Improve tolerance of daily activities
- Reduce the risk of cancer reoccurrence
That’s the science, but what benefits do class participants actually rave about?
Georgina shares some of the real life benefits that make her classes so transformational for people with cancer:
"I've had a few ladies recently with limited arm mobility following surgery and after a few classes they are excited to share that they can now swing their arm or get it up above their head. It might sound small, but with such limited range of movement, it’s really hard to do up your bra or put on a jumper, so it really gives people back their quality of life.
We have people in our classes with all stages of cancer, and some are still struggling with the emotional side of diagnosis while others are just trying to live life to the fullest in the time they have left. For many people, it gives them something positive to do outside of going to medical appointments. It’s their chance to do something fun that they have chosen for themselves.
Of course, it’s natural for people to focus on how fit they used to be and compare it to how they feel now. In our classes, we encourage people to not linger on the past and instead focus on the present. It makes a huge difference and they feel a lot happier this way.”
What about Cancer-related fatigue?
Most people assume that feeling tired is just part of the cancer journey, but the best thing for fatigue is exercise! There’s even been a huge shift in the medical profession over the last decade, with some doctors now suggesting exercise to cancer patients when considering hormone treatments - especially in much younger patients.
Friendships and understanding
A significant benefit of the classes is the social aspect of group exercise. During Covid, Georgina ran classes via Zoom and started a WhatsApp group that still continues to this day, offering the group a lifeline during difficult times. Georgina says: “it became a community naturally without ever having that intention, so that’s really positive. The classes have become a safe space for people to share, especially as many don’t want to burden their families with their thoughts and feelings.”
When cancer, exercise and firefighting come together…
Georgina is proud to be one of just five global ambassadors for the Pink Firefighters in the UK who aim to spread awareness about breast cancer. All money that Georgina raises is split between Breast Cancer Now, a UK charity and ABC Jersey.
"Pink Firefighters was started in the UK by three male firefighters and they’re now branching out to gain more coverage and raise awareness. We attend events or do physical fitness challenges wearing a unique pink fire kit and helmet. This year we’re heading to America to have a presence for the 9/11 climb. It’s this presence that starts the conversation and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in Jersey with me as an ambassador."
I’m interested in joining a cancer rehab class, where do I start?
Anyone interested in taking part in Georgina’s classes at Healthhaus, or the Reformer Pilates with Tania can self-refer by contacting Georgina directly or through Macmillan Jersey. (Contact details are at the end of this article) The journey starts with an initial consultation to ensure that care is person-centred throughout their time in the classes.
Classes for all stages of cancer
Georgina says: “What I've always wanted is for people to start with me as soon after diagnosis as possible. I fully appreciate that that can come across as quite naive; I'm aware that people are having really awful news and their whole life has changed, so I doubt they're thinking ‘Ooh, I should go to an exercise class!’. But still, as soon as people are ready, it will really help as exercise metabolises the chemotherapy and counteracts the fatigue. And of course, the social connection and an understanding group of people really helps. Historically, most people found the classes post-treatment and of course some just simply aren’t ready to exercise, but if you can start earlier in your cancer journey it’s definitely beneficial."
Future plans
Later this year, the cancer rehab classes will have been running for ten years and Georgina is focused on continuing to help as many people as possible. “My dream would be for the cancer rehab classes to be part of the treatment plan prescribed through the hospital. So just as they show up to their chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments, they attend the classes too. It wouldn’t be an optional extra but a core part of treatment. I appreciate exercise isn’t for everyone, but if we could have the hospital to work with us, that would be the dream!”
Words of appreciation from class participants over the years
“I was diagnosed in July 2021 with breast cancer. The pilates class helped me make new friends, share experiences as well as improving my balance and backache!”
“The classes gave me the focus to get my energy and fitness back along with meeting others who been through the same experiences”.
“Georgina’s circuit classes are great - I would highly recommend to anyone post surgery/treatment. Even if you’re not particularly sporty, it is important to regain strength and mobility in an appropriate manner. Georgina is very welcoming and encouraging, going around everyone to make sure exercises are being done correctly. I thoroughly enjoy the weekly class.”
"Before my diagnosis, I was a regular gym goer and as my treatment came to an end, I was keen to find a way to rebuild my confidence, strength and flexibility. I heard about Live Life Fitness from one of my nurses and found just what I was looking for. Georgina and Cat’s circuit classes are fab! They are designed carefully with rehabilitation in mind and it’s really reassuring to know that the exercises are ‘safe’ and you’re not going to hurt yourself! Not only am I so much stronger than I was, I have met lots of lovely ladies and always look forward to our weekly catch ups and laughs. Huge thanks to Georgina and Cat for helping me get my fitness back!”
“The FOJO classes are great for me. There is no need for explanations as to why you are in the class. The other members do not judge you if are clumsy, wobbly or uncoordinated. There is understanding, concern and kindness from others who all have cancer. I feel more relaxed and positive after the classes. They are fun, we have quite a few laughs with Cat and you. Advice, suggestions, corrections are all given gently and kindly.”
“Three years ago I was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in my right leg. Following chemotherapy and major surgery, I could barely walk. I was referred to Georgina at FOJO’s Cancer Rehab sessions and I haven’t looked back. Through the exercise programme, I’ve managed to get walking and driving again and enjoy life once more. Not only have the gym sessions been a physical achievement but also a tremendous confidence boost. I would encourage anyone living with cancer to give it a go. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Thank you so much.”
Contact details:
- For details of classes and to book your initial consultation, please contact Georgina Connor: livelifefitnesscoach@outlook.com
- Georgina’s website www.livelifefitnesscoach.com
- Macmillan Jersey
- ABC Jersey
- FOJO (Friends of Jersey Oncology)
- Pink Firefighters UK
- World Cancer Day, 4 February 2026 #unitedbyunique
