A group fitness instructor in Maidenhead who was diagnosed with cancer last year is set to hold a charity exercise day of Zumba and Yoga to raise funds for a hospital charity.
In March 2025, Sebnem Guhertas’ life ‘changed overnight’ when she was diagnosed with both ovarian and endometrial cancer, despite having no symptoms.
“Given my lifestyle, age, and the fact that I had no other ongoing health conditions, the news came as a complete shock,” she said.
Soon after her diagnosis, she underwent major surgery at Royal Surrey County Hospital.
This included a full hysterectomy and appendectomy, and she spent five days in the Intensive Treatment Unit.
“It was an incredibly frightening time for me and my family.
"After returning home, I began the next stage of my fight with extensive chemotherapy, again at Royal Surrey County Hospital, a centre that specialises in treating these types of cancers,” Sebnem added.
“Throughout every step of this journey, our amazing NHS and the Royal Surrey County Hospital team have been extraordinary.
“All the doctors, nurses and staff cared for me with such compassion, kindness and dedication.
“They understood my hysterical moments, supported me when I cried my eyes out, and even allowed me to set up a small office so I could continue my work as a patient liaison/navigator in the chemotherapy unit — never once judging me.”
“I will always be deeply grateful for the support they gave me during one of the hardest times of my life.”
Due to the care she received, Sebnem said she felt a ‘strong desire to give something back and raise awareness’.
She is now raising funds for the Royal Surrey Hospital Charity, which provides equipment, redevelops wards, invests in staff development and funds research.
Her exercise afternoon will feature Zumba and Yoga and will take place from 1pm to 3pm on at the Braywick Leisure Centre tomorrow (Saturday, March 14), with all proceeds going to the charity.
She added: “I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Braywick Leisure Centre and Jes Spencer for their kindness and support in helping organise this event.
“Ovarian cancer is often called the ‘silent killer’, which is why awareness is so important.
"If sharing my story helps even one person learn more or seek medical advice sooner, then something positive will have come from this journey.”
Sebnem has smashed her initial target of £500, with the fundraising total currently standing at more than £1,070.
To view the fundraiser, visit: https://www.royalsurreycharity.org.uk/fundraisers/sebnem-guhertass-fundraising-page
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