ABOUT ME

It seems that for most of my life I have been searching for fulfillment of my soul. Two years ago I started the horse programme with a business partner. Right from the start I wanted to work with women cancer survivors. I don't know why, I just did. However, the business got driven towards the corporate environment, but my need didn't go away. The programme was amazing, totally cathartic for attendees and wonderful to facilitate. But my heart wasn't fully in it. I really wanted to help people that 'needed' the programme.

In June 2008 my dad died from cancer of the oesophegus. He had hidden his illness from us and the end was very sudden. There were a lot of unresolved issues and I experienced terrible anger, particularly towards my dad. This sounds awful, but I know that many people will understand my emotions. It's a long story and one day I will write about it, but now is not that time.

Discovering Lebed
Then, in July 2009, I found Lebed. Lebed is a method of dance & movement created by Sherry Lebed Davis and her two brothers, Dr. Marc Lebed & Dr. Joel Lebed, after their mother was diagnosed with cancer. Sherry was a classical dancer and together they created a dance & movement routine that simulated physiotherapy movements.

The opening 15 minutes stimulates the lymph glands to open, helping the lymph fluid to start moving through the lymphatic system. This can help to reduce swelling associated with lymphoedema, and encourage the body to regain range of movement, something that appears to be almost impossible, especially after mastectomy and reconstruction. The movements are slow, rhythmic and fun to do.

It is a fully published and medically recognised programme, operating in over 700 hospitals throughout the world.

I spent an intensive full on week in London learning the method, passing my practical and theoretical exams and also qualifying to provide classes for pregnant women and the 'Creative Rhythms' programme for terminally ill children, or indeed for any children as it is a lot of fun.

That week changed my life
After years of sitting on the PC everyday {I have run an online equestrian shop for almost 5 years] and wondering what I was supposed to be doing, now I knew! I loved the dance & movement so much that it was like a huge light coming on inside of me. My personality shone, I was laughing again and I felt so happy. My creative ideas began to flow, and I felt connected to my inner self, and other people, in a way that I had forgotten could exist.

I believe that I was born to dance and show others the joy of dance! And I believe that dance is not just a physical thing, it is very much about creating a dance within your mind.

My commitment to helping cancer survivors is even stronger. I am excited for the future and can't wait to work with you all.