A GROUP of sport-loving women are proving that being diagnosed with breast cancer does not have to mean that life cannot carry on as normal.Sport Action for Ladies after Cancer is a group that was originally set up for women who have battled breast cancer.

A GROUP of sport-loving women are proving that being diagnosed with breast cancer does not have to mean that life cannot carry on as normal.

Sport Action for Ladies after Cancer is a group that was originally set up for women who have battled breast cancer.

Every Wednesday its members meet at the Sportspark at the University of East Anglia to play badminton and do yoga and aqua-stretch.

Now the group is inviting women who have had any type of cancer to join, whether they are pre or post surgery.

The idea for the group was coined by Coral Warren, a 71-year-old former badminton coach, herself a former breast cancer patient.

It was started in 1994 after Mrs Warren was inspired by Lorraine Porter, a cancer patient who had expected never to participate in sport again.

Mrs Warren, a great grandmother who lives in Wymondham, said: “Lorraine used to play badminton but she thought she would never play again, and I said to her I will prove to her that she can still play, and show her how to adjust her movements so that she could.

“We spent 10 minutes on the court and she told me that it had changed her life, and that was so nice that I came up with the idea of a group for other women in a similar position. I've never found anybody who can't play.

“After a mastectomy, your movements are restricted because scar tissue is not elastic and they cut nerves in the area. At the moment we only have people who have had breast cancer but we would like to encourage people to come along who have had other types of cancer, like lung cancer for example.

“The group is a place where people can meet up to keep fit with people who have had similar experiences - they don't always talk much about cancer but if there is anybody who wants to talk, they know other people will understand.”

Mrs Porter, who lives in Taverham, said: “I thought my badminton days were over, but Coral told me to come on to court with her, and we spent a few minutes going through things, and that made me feel really positive.”

Sessions take place on Wednesday mornings and cost £3.50. Anyone interested in joining the group or wanting more information should phone Coral Warren on 01953 605208 or the Sportspark on 01603 592398.