Mind, Body & Soul


Turning illness into creative opportunities


Heather May first came to Kent’s county town as operations manager for Tesco but unexpected illness turned into an opportunity to use her creative skills. Recently Heather, 53, was project director for the Waypoint Project, which galvanised 28 Christian churches…


How are you?


I am quite well, although just at the moment not quite as active as I would like to be, as I have torn a muscle in my leg.


How is your health generally? At the moment my health is generally good although my immune system is not as resilient as it was in my youth, I seem to succumb to any bugs around. I enjoyed an active and healthy childhood and as a young adult I had a busy live style balancing a demanding job with a number of voluntary roles. I think I am naturally a busy person, and get frustrated when I have to slow down!


Have you ever had any major illnesses?


I try to live my life to the full, there is so much that I want to do


In my early 30s, I became unwell with undiagnosed ankylosing spondylitis which was debilitating and changed the course of my working life. Tis was the first time I had a major illness, and it took a while for me to realise and recognise the severity of the condition, which resulted in me unable to walk more than a few steps without assistance. Over the years, I have gradually improved and learnt to manage my condition, but I do have to remember not to overdo it! I found it hard to accept giving up my career, it was a job that I really enjoyed, but I was determined to make the most of the time that I had, something which had been scarce when working. I made the decision that just because my legs had given up the rest of me wasn’t going to! I enrolled on several different Adult Education Courses and discovered creative skills which I never realised I had! I soon found myself geting qualifications and set up my own business, which meant I could pace my working life.


Do you take any medicines?


A few years ago, while enjoying a tasty, juicy nectarine I had a reaction; it soon became apparent that I was developing an allergy to particular fruit, disappointingly it was all the really delicious ones such as, plums, peaches, nectarines and cherries. Alongside these allergies to fruit has come allergy to other things including a wide variety of tree pollens, so at this time of year, to reduce the sneezing I do take antihistamines.


40 Mid Kent Living Have you ever considered herbal remedies?


I have never really given herbal medicines much consideration, possibly because I was a bit of a mystery to the medics so I did not want to complicate things.


Ever needed an osteopath or chiropractor?


I haven’t used an osteopath or chiropractor, but have been helped significantly by physiotherapists, including recently as I recover from a tear in my abductor muscle.


What, if any, exercise do you take?


I usually fit in a couple of Pilates classes each week, which helps strengthen core muscles and has helped me stay as active as I can. Swimming is also particularly helpful as it keeps me active without weight bearing. A few years ago I accepted the challenge of my goddaughters to swim a mile for charity, but as it was in the Thames, we trained in Leybourne lake. Open water swimming is exhilarating and challenging, but takes a bit of getting used to, and the water is still too cold for me to get in at the moment – even in a wet suit!


I love the outdoors, although in truth, I am


a fair weather girl! On a sunny day I enjoy a walk or cycle through the beautiful garden of England although getting up the North Downs can be a challenge!


What are your vices?


Good quality fair trade coffee, preferably freshly ground. I am not at my best in the morning, and certainly not without a cup of good coffee!


What is the best piece of health advice anyone has ever given you? To Stretch, but not overstretch the elastic band. It took me a while to learn to accept that I was unwell, and to slow down. It was only aſter I learnt to pace myself that my recovery began.


Would you like to live forever?


I try to live my life to the full, there is so much that I want to do and see, so I hope that I have inherited the longevity genes of my parents who, in their late eighties are still prety fit and well. As a Christian, I believe that a most amazing giſt of friendship with Jesus Christ is that I will live in heaven forever… but first I have a bucket list of adventures here on planet earth.


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