A BASINGSTOKE woman has set up a new rehabilitation exercise class to coincide with the prostate and breast cancer awareness months.

Stephanie Wallis aims to highlight the importance of exercise to people living with long-term health conditions.

The 38-year-old's new classes, which will launch next month, provide a safe space for those living with an array of conditions, and Stephanie says that the benefits of staying physically active during treatment can be important.

"I have worked with another prostate support group providing them an exercise class and I have seen that it is not just the physical but mental benefits as well.

"It is coming to the class and not worrying about what you are doing, and everyone understands where you are coming from.

"I have seen them come on leaps and bounds with the strength and energy."

Stephanie had been in the fitness industry for 20 years, specialising for the last four years in rehabilitation work for people with cardiac conditions, cancer and Parkinson's.

"From my point of view it is also the mental wellbeing of people. I had a couple of people that went to the Parkinson's class who just wanted to sit there.

"It just lifted their mood. I just want people to be happier and have a better quality of life."

Stephanie's first class in Basingstoke will take place on October 5. To find out more, go to www.steppingstoneshw.co.uk or email steppingstoneshw@gmail.com.