The program, called Inform, is an eight-week exercise and wellbeing program run by Manning Base Hospital physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

While patients undergoing treatment for cancer might feel they simply do not feel well enough or have enough energy to exercise, Lesley said the benefits are worth it.

"It is an effort, but at the same time you knew your recovery would be better if you did get involved in the exercises," she said.

"The leaders themselves were really encouraging. They didn't push you harder than you felt that you could go, but they also offered alternatives if you couldn't keep up with the exercise - there were easier or harder exercises depending on where you were with your treatment.

"It's not a huge committment but it means people recovering from cancer, instead of stitting down and feeling horrible, are encouraged to get the blood flowing and get strger. And meet with other people too.

"Because the group was quite diverse in its cancer types it meant we grew to appreciate each other's cancers and different treatments, and the obstacles we each had to overcome. We were inspired by each other's courage, and it also gave us a chance to socialise without having to put on a brave face if you weren't feeling it," Lesley said.

Lesley has regularly caught up with other patients she met through the program to walk along the river. The friendships made throughout the program evolved into what she describes as a mutual support group.

Carers are encouraged to attend the program with the patients to learn ways to help with their own wellbeing. The program is not solely focused on exercises but gives attendees other tools to help, with lectures covering subjects like self care, care for the carer, stress management, alternatives to sleep for when you can't sleep, meditation techniques, yoga and relaxation, and cognitive behaviour therapy.

Lesley took part in the program after being diagnosed in 2016 with HER2+ breast cancer. She is still having ongoing treatment, as while recent scans show no evidence of disease her oncologist believes Lesley isn't quite cancer free. She is still undergoing on again/off again treatment as the treatment affects her heart.

"The drugs provoke my immune system to fight the cancer but my oncologist believes that it's still in the system, so it's really important that I keep exercising, keep the blood flowing and keep things going because as long as I'm exercising, things are functioning as they should," she said.

"I find I feel better and my mind is much more alert. I surprise myself and feel encouraged when I am stronger walking up hills and doing gardening," she said.

The program has been operating for about two years now, and up until recently had been funded by Dry July's 2017 local fundraising efforts and community donations. Due to its success, Manning Hospital will continue to fund the program on an ongoing basis.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has been adapted for delivery within individual patients' homes until it is safe for the usual group format to resume without any risk to immunocompromised patients. The Inform team is continuing to develop COVID safety plans in consultation with the Oncology service so a group format can recommence in 2021, pending the impact of COVID-19 in the Lower Mid North Coast region.

For further information about Inform Manning, contact the InForm coordinators on 6592 9963 or Manning Oncology Unit on 6592 9306.