Meet four women whose acts of bravery – big & small – made them heroes of their own stories
Lou Featherstone is 51 & from Brighton
"My husband and I moved to Portland, US, eight years ago for the opportunity of a better work/life balance with our son, Oska. But despite our new location, I was unhappy. Menopause had hit, and I realised I’d spent 25 years putting everyone else first.
"Determined to change, I took up hiking and Crossfit, and as my body got healthier, my self-esteem started to grow. I began using my Instagram platform (@luinluland) as a journal, posting about confidence and midlife. Other women seemed to like it as they flocked to it. I think so many resonated with what I was going through.
"As my confidence peaked, me and my husband sadly grew apart and decided to split. Newly single – and faced with my son going on his gap year – I was left wondering what to do next. When I saw an old, converted bus on the side of the street, I had a crazy idea to hit the road and broaden my horizons. It was a terrifying thought – not long ago I’d been an ordinary mum, working for social services in Brighton. Now, I was planning a solo trip around America in an RV!
"Through crowdfunding, I bought my RV and named her 'Susie'. When Susie rolled into a town, it didn’t take long before my followers came knocking at the door; a beacon for women to come and seek support. As I drove through different states, I began giving motivational speeches to others going through the menopause, and teaching about self-love and confidence at festivals and events.
"The reaction was great, and over hundreds of miles, I found my voice and purpose in life – empowering women.
"It’s been scary, and I’ve overcome many fears, including driving on my own, mechanical problems and loneliness, but being on the road has also been freeing. Last October, I moved back to the UK. Susie is being shipped over and I plan to continue speaking at events and festivals. I’ve learned that, if I put my mind to something, I can achieve anything."
Jennifer Bailey is 44 & from Newton-le-Willows
"I started kickboxing as a hobby four years ago, after seeing an advert on Facebook. I was a mum of two and just turned 40, and I found I’d become very comfortable with my life, but was also feeling a bit meh and wanted to challenge myself.
"I thought I’d give kickboxing a go and if I didn’t like it, I could always leave. As it turned out,I loved it. It gave me time to myself outside of being a mum and running my online footwear business, Calla Shoes. Each week, I trained harder and harder. My coach was impressed and kept asking me if I’d consider entering a fight. When a tournament came up, I told myself that if I didn’t do it before I was 45 I never would. I had extra lessons and gave up drinking for a month to prepare, but mentally I was very nervous and didn’t expect to see it through.
"On the day, you have no idea who you are going to fight. When I saw my opponent, who was heavier and taller than me, the tension set in – even my coach looked nervous. I tried to do some practice pad work before the fight, but couldn’t because I felt so sick.
"Just before I went into the ring I really thought I was going to throw up, but I took a deep breath and went for it. The fight only lasted one and a half minutes, but it was the longest one and a half minutes of my life. I couldn’t believe it when I won! I was so tired, but the adrenaline was insane.
"It was by far the most scary, exhilarating and exhausting thing I have ever done, but I was on a high for days. Doing the competition has made my comfort zone so big that it’s going to take a lot to get me scared to that same level again, but I can’t wait to try."
Michelle Brooks is 52 & from London
"In 2020, knowing I was soon turning 50, I realised there were many things I wanted to do and had never really pushed myself. I loved the idea of stand-up comedy and had tried it once when I was younger – but shook like a leaf the whole time and vowed never to do it again.
"But I started asking myself, 'what’s the worst that could happen?'. So, I took the plunge, joining an online course called Funny Women. The other participants, a diverse mix of warm, supportive women, listened to my material and chimed in with their ideas.
"One of the girls had booked a slot at The Comedy Museum, and was looking for someone to do a short spot before she came on. It felt like the scariest 'yes' I’ve ever said in my life. I came up with a short skit and practised my lines in the bathroom mirror.
"As the day drew closer, I felt sick and nervous. I was so wobbly, my partner was sure I’d back out. When I walked on stage, my mind whirred trying to remember all the jokes, the routine and the order they flowed in.
"But when I got into the swing, the buzz from the audience and their positive reception was exhilarating and gave me a huge boost. I didn’t invite my family out of fear, but my partner and some workmates were in the 70-plus audience.
"As a result of sharing my personal material, it has deepened my friendships because I shared more of my authentic self during stand-up than I normally do during work or social situations. I can be a bit of a wallflower and not used to people looking at me and listening to my ideas. I’m so glad I went for it, and would say to anyone thinking of trying something new, just go for it, you might surprise yourself."
Annemarie Flanagan is 58 & from London
"Trips to the seaside always involved the fairground as a child, but while I enjoyed most rides, I never ever went on the roller coasters. The screams coming from the riders were not sounds of fun to me, and I always worried something awful might happen.
"Fast forward many decades and I found myself in Blackpool at the famous Pleasure Beach with my two sons, who couldn’t wait to have a go on The Big One, the UK’s tallest roller coaster. As I surveyed the 235 ft metal structure and watched as the cars plummeted at great speed, I tensed up and once again kept imagining stomach-churning things. I was about to leave the boys in the queue and watch from a distance, but suddenly something in me said, 'go for it'. So, with my heart pounding, hands sweaty and breath becoming faster, I climbed into the car and strapped in.
"As it started moving and the clunking began, I was terrified. The carriages climbed slowly and the anticipation of the drop was horrific. The view from the top distracted me briefly but, as we hurtled down, I closed my eyes and screamed like I’ve never done in my life. My eyes stayed tight shut and my throat was very dry by the time the short, speedy ride came to an end, but I had actually done it!
"I could barely talk, but adrenaline was rushing through me and I felt elated – I had finally confronted one of my big demons and survived. My boys laughed, but I think they were secretly proud of their mum.
"It might sound silly, but my roller coaster experience has had a bigger impact, too. It’s helped silence that 'What if?' voice in my head that stops me from trying new things, and now I’m far more likely to give new experiences a go. I’ll never be a major roller coaster fan, but taking the helm and overcoming that longstanding fear has boosted my confidence no end."
