Leicestershire resident Jill Hayward, 63, has completed the first of several ambitious fundraising challenges for Breast Cancer Now, raising over £1,000 so far.
With the support of friends and her local community, Jill line-danced the distance of a marathon across events at Ashby Leisure Centre & Lido, Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre, and her village hall.
Picture: Jill Haywood
Jill’s journey began after being diagnosed with a strangulated hernia and facing multiple life-limiting conditions. With surgery carrying a low survival chance, she decided to take charge of her health—changing her diet and joining her local gym and leisure centre.
Eighteen months later, Jill has lost significant weight, reversed her sleep apnoea, and is successfully managing diabetes and depression. “They took away the machine I used every night—I feel like I’ve got my life back,” she says. Although joining the gym at Ashby was daunting at first, Jill credits the welcoming staff, including receptionist Frieda and trainer Bernie, with helping her build confidence.
Her husband Neil, who has severe mobility issues, came along to support her from the café. Line dancing was one of the first activities Jill tried—and she was hooked. “My breathing improved dramatically. I went from barely managing six steps to line dancing for four hours!”
Now, Jill is preparing for more challenges: climbing the wall at Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre, deadlifting 50kg (the amount of weight she’s lost) for 64 metres in honour of her upcoming birthday, a five-mile hike, abseiling, ziplining, and a 1,000m swim. “The zipline’s a bit scary—I’ll just close my eyes and go for it!” she laughs.
She’s particularly proud that she can now swim with her young grandson. “We’ve made new friends and go walking together. Activity has helped me get my life back. It’s not easy, but I’m so grateful.”
Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, Duncan Gibb, called Jill “an inspiration,” saying her transformation shows what’s possible through community support and personal determination.
Please consider supporting Jill in her inspirational journey by sponsoring her at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/joe-cayless-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
