Exercise Saved My Life: A Story of Strength, Friendship, and Resilience
- Morgan Loughton
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
At HerMove, we believe movement is a superpower, but for our contributor, Donna Burden, that power became life-saving. Donna shares her deeply honest and inspiring journey: from dreading PE in school to discovering a fitness habit that ultimately provided the vital strength needed to fight ovarian cancer. Her story is a powerful reminder that fitness builds resilience inside and out.
I never used to enjoy exercise. At school, it was something I dreaded, the games teacher always seemed to have her favourites, and I certainly wasn’t one of them. Whether it was netball in the blazing heat or hockey in the freezing rain, it all just felt miserable. I couldn’t wait to leave that part of my life behind.
Fast forward twenty years, two children, and my 30s I found myself with a “Mummy tummy.” I was slim enough, but I knew I wasn’t fit, and I didn’t feel good about myself. I wanted to feel stronger, more confident, and more “me” again. So, one lunchtime, I decided to give an aerobics class a try. At first it was hard, but something changed and I started to enjoy it. The atmosphere was so different from school. The instructors were encouraging, the people were warm and welcoming, and for the first time, I associated exercise with fun.
From there, things snowballed. I tried all sorts of classes Les Mills Body Pump, Spin, Body Vive and kept going to the ones I loved. Before long, I was doing several classes a week and swimming five mornings out of seven. I also love walking and cycling. And the best part? Exercise stopped being about just getting fit; it became my happy place. It gave me energy, lifted my mood, and helped me manage stress. Over time, it became part of my identity.
Even more importantly, it also gave me friendships. Alyson and I have been going to classes at Kings for over 20 years! We started out as just chatting before a class but have become firm friends. We've laughed, encouraged each other, and carried each other along both loving being active, enjoying classes and our shared love of cats! The social side of exercise and relationships are as important as the physical side.
Then, in 2024, everything changed when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Overnight, my busy exercise routine came to a halt as I started chemotherapy, major surgery, and immunotherapy. Right now, the only thing I can manage is gentle swimming as I build my strength back up. But at the start of my treatment, my oncologist told me something I’ll never forget: because I was so fit, they could give me aggressive, but highly effective treatment, which gave me the very best chance of recovery.
That’s why I can honestly say that exercise has saved my life.
What began as a way to feel better about myself became so much more, a way to protect my health, boost my mental wellbeing, and find lifelong friends. It has carried me through good times and tough times, and I know it will always be part of who I am.
The Medical Link: Why Fitness is Your Best Defence
Donna's experience is not just anecdotal; it is supported by science. A new Surrey study is currently investigating the vital link between physical activity and cancer recovery, with patients being prescribed exercise regimes to help tackle tumours. This shifts the culture from traditional healthcare toward prevention and rehabilitation—exactly what HerMove advocates.
Whether you're finding strength later in life or protecting yourself for the future, moving your body is the greatest investment you can make.
If Donna's story inspires you to make movement a part of your life, remember: it’s never too late to start.
For more inspiring stories and to learn more about our mission, visit www.hermove.uk
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