Trying to cancel an unused contract

My husband took out a gym contract in January 2015 after the 'salesman' told him everything he wanted to hear including the fact that if my husband found that he couldn't make use of the membership he could always cancel! So after 3 months of NEVER going to the gym due to long working hours he decided to cancel the membership until such time as he could actually make use of it! He went to the gym and told the receptionist his story and was told to send an email to head office. He has send numerous emails and we have never received a reply. And the monthly payments keep coming off my husbands account. On contacting the gym again we were told that they cannot help my husband. We have emailed again with no response again. What are we supposed to do? I have heard of numerous people having the same problem!! Once the gym gets you to sign on the dotted line then they don't want to know you anymore! Please help!