Helen Isaac, who received the Muddy Stilettos award in 2023 for “Best Fitness Instructor”, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022, two months after launching her own fitness business. In her own words, it was “great timing”.

For two years she managed well with her treatments, whilst still keeping fit, but in January this year she was told her treatment had stopped working and that her only option was a stem-cell transplant.

Fortunately, her brother was a compatible donor, and she successfully had the transplant in March.

Helen said: “Fast forward to now and I’m back home and recovering, I have to be very careful not to pick up any bugs or infections meaning I’m unable to work on the gym floor with my clients because I can’t be around crowds or germs.”

To solve this problem, Helen is opening a private studio inside the gym so that she can offer everyone the help and support to keep fit and healthy, whilst still protecting and maintaining her own health.

Helen added: “The studio means I can also offer a safe space for my clients and I’m able to work with other cancer warriors who are fighting their own battles.

“It’s perfect for anyone who might be a little gym shy or just wants a private session.

“From my own experience, my fitness level helped me in my recovery. Fitness was encouraged throughout my whole treatment, and I truly believe it helped me beat cancer and will continue to keep me healthy.

“Staying active meant my body was able to recover from the aggressive chemo and treatment I had it also meant I stayed positive while away from my family. I’m so happy I’m able to have a space to help others do the same.”

Helen intends to offer discounts to other cancer patients and to anyone working for the NHS who may wish to join her private studio because exercising helped her with her own recovery and the NHS helped her survive.

The wellness day on October 13, running from 11am-7pm, is a whole community event held in MawFit Gym, Ilminster, raising awareness of the importance of health, alongside money for charity and Helen’s GoFundMe page – to help with the costs of her new studio.

The event will include a whole host of activities including; goodie bags for the first 30 visitors, a nail bar, skincare chats and demos, a Mary Temperley pop-up shop, cakes, pizza from A Slice of Salerno Pizza Van, “Gym and Tonic” cocktail hour, competitions, studio tours and fitness chats for anyone wanting to get fit.

Everyone is welcome to the event, you do not need to be a member of MawFit Gym to attend.