Relax & Replenish - A Pilates Mat Class for Carers

• IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL CARERS WEEK 7 - 13 JUNE 2021*

I cared for my Dad when he was terminally ill with mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Haunted by the experience and shocked at the lack of information and treatment on offer for patients, I became dedicated to changing outcomes for others in Scotland.

It was the start of a journey that saw me lobby the Scottish Government for 4 years and contribute to the established of Scotland's first ever national network - the Scottish Mesothelioma Network - of which I am now a patient and carer representative.

In an unbelievable twist of events, I am now supporting my mum through chemotherapy after receiving two life saving operations for bowel cancer.

There is an immeasurable stress and pain that comes with caring for someone who is unwell and one of the biggest challenges you face, is finding the time to look after yourself.

When my dad was unwell, I turned to just taking 10 or 15 minutes to lie on my mat - sometimes i did pilates, sometimes i just lay down and cried. But those precious moments allowed me to check in with myself, to restore and replenish my body and my mind so as i could keep just simply keep going.

This is the essence of self care to me - that it's not about 'treating' yourself but about 'treating yourself well.'

I'd be delighted if you can take 30 minutes out and join me on the mat for a session that will help you to relax and replenish your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing so as you can be the best carer you can be.

For more information on the Scottish Mesothelioma Network visit:
https://www.scottishmesotheliomanetwork.scot.nhs.uk/