Creator of the ‘Survive to Thrive’ program for people living with persistent pain.
Our mission is to improve people’s lives who experience chronic pain conditions, to inspire wellness and help them to ‘survive and thrive’ by learning to use holistic wellness techniques that promote ‘feeling more energetic and having a happier more relaxed outlook on life’. In our workshops we foster personal growth and inspire positive change; we believe in the power of shared learning, reflection and setting goals and actions to turn life’s dreams to reality.
Our vision is to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential. Through our shared learning the ‘survive to thrive’ programmes aim to build local communities of empowered individuals who are making a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others.
Hello and the warmest welcome to my website.
I’m all about the lived experience. Are you suffering with pain? I hear you! Too fatigued to get out of bed today? I hear you!
I understand that receiving advice on managing your health condition from someone without first-hand experience can be frustrating. This is why my program ‘Survive to Thrive’ is so successful, your coach will always be someone with lived experience.
Here is a bit of my story.
My journey into wellness began after a significant career shift. I spent most of my life in various senior leadership and director-level roles in industry before transitioning into education, where I served as an Assistant Head Teacher while training for headship. However, everything changed when I became severely ill. I was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, two chronic illnesses with no cure or treatment other than painkillers. I quickly found myself bedridden, often crawling on my hands and knees just to reach the bathroom. This way of living led me to the brink of despair, and I became suicidal.
During this time, I went through a difficult divorce and became a single mother to three children, who gave me my reason to stay alive. The combination of a sedentary lifestyle and the inability to prepare healthy meals resulted in significant weight gain, as I relied heavily on convenience foods.
I lost my career and the life I once knew, and I grieved for them for a long time. But I’m not a quitter. Through sheer grit and determination, I slowly began to rebuild my life, one piece at a time. Now, I always tell others living with chronic pain that while you may not have the life you once knew, you can build a different one that is equally as fulfilling and joyful. You may just need to find that joy in new places.
All of these experiences have led me to where I am today. I Used my life experiences to develop the ‘Survive to Thrive’ program, a 12 module program written specifically to help and support people in their wellness journeys, particularly those living with persistent pain.
I have many qualifications including a master’s degree and worked at high levels for many years. I had a personal goal of achieving a Doctorate. When I was very ill, I thought my goal was lost. But today, I’m proving that you can still reach your goals with persistent pain, as I am now a Doctoral Researcher, specialising in pain management and get to work with Doctors in the Centre for Pain Research at the University of Bath.
Most importantly, I couldn’t be happier!
Explore the site—there’s much to see. Thank you for visiting, and I hope you find it helpful.
Sarah
We played a pivotal role in collaborating with the NHS Integrated Care Board during the recent redesign of the pain pathway in Doncaster and maintain an ongoing partnership with the NHS Strategy and Improvement Directorate, actively contributing to multiple initiatives. This collaboration ensures that both parties remain forward-thinking and responsive, consistently delivering a service that aligns with the evolving needs of the people we support.
We collaborate closely and receive referrals from a range of key organisations, including the NHS primary and secondary care, Public Health, social prescribers, Mind, and other third-sector organisations, supporting those in need. As proud members of the Doncaster Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance, we actively contribute to initiatives that tackle social isolation and foster community well-being.
