THE Breast Centre at University Hospital Llandough will soon offer swim and exercise sessions free of charge for those who have been through surgery for breast cancer at Splash Central, Cardiff.

Senior physiotherapist, Victoria Collins wanted to provide a private swim session for patients who had had a mastectomy, giving them the confidence to get back in the water, without having to do this in public.

Ms Collins approached Sue Dickson-Davies, senior fundraiser at The Breast Centre Appeal and Ms Dickson-Davies contacted an acquaintance at Splash Central Cardiff.

Splash Central owner, Natalie O’Shea said: “September was a very emotional month, losing a close friend and absolute legend in the swimming industry to the horrible disease that is cancer.

“I felt overwhelmingly honoured to have been approached by The Breast Centre to offer regular swim and exercise sessions to women who have undergone breast surgery.”

Friday swim sessions and aqua aerobics will run from Friday, November 8 from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sessions are free of charge and are open to women who are undergoing or have come to the end of their treatment, to start and build their confidence in the water whilst increasing their heart rate.

A launch event takes place from 12pm to 3pm on Friday, October 25 to view the facility, meet The Breast Centre team and meet Jane from Amoena, who will be bring an array of specialised mastectomy swimwear.

The Vale Cake Boutique will make cupcakes and donate all sales proceeds to The Breast Centre Appeal.

Ms Collins said: “I’m totally buzzing since meeting with Natalie and Sarah at Splash Central.

“I feel so grateful and excited for the energy they brought to our idea of offering swimming therapy for our patients.

“It is the patients who have come to the end of active treatment who often tell me that they feel the most abandoned when it comes to moving on with their lives and getting back to doing what they did before.

“Whilst they are on active treatment, there are constant appointments, visits, blood tests, the complications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to prohibit or distract from doing this sort of activity, then when all that stops they don’t know where to turn to next for support and reassurance in getting back on it.

“This may be straight after treatment or several years down the line for some who are really struggling in silence.

“This facility will be a safe place for them to go to make a start and build confidence.”

Ms Dickson-Davies added: “This will make a massive difference to our patients, helping to improve their confidence and also their fitness in a calm, supportive environment.”

To find out about The Breast Centre Appeal, visit healthcharity.wales or follow on Twitter @thebreastcentre or facebook.com/BreastCentre