Our founder Natalie was inspired to create ​Fireflies Fitness in 2021 during her treatment & recovery from breast cancer. 

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She was diagnosed in February 2019 whilst training for her fifth marathon. As a Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, she was busy her running Fireflies Dance School for children in London. Natalie was fit and otherwise healthy, and was in the best position to take on the challenging treatment plan. Despite being strong, the surgeries and chemotherapy took their toll both mentally as well as physically.

 

"I could not stop thinking about other patients who were going into treatment without the level of fitness that I had. It was difficult enough to deal with as it was" she said.

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Natalie kept active leading up to, during and after her treatment, and is positive that it contributed to her stamina and healing. 

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Whilst navigating breast reconstruction, the side effects of hormone therapy, and a surgical menopause, she used exercise, well-being and nutrition to relieve her pain, lift her spirits and gain much needed energy to be the solo parenting, business running, cancer awareness spreading, fierce woman that she is! 

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"I didn't know there were types of exercise that would have helped me through treatment. Luckily as a dance teacher and a very keen runner, I kept very active naturally. Prior to chemotherapy, I was told not to attend the gym because of my vulnerable immune system. I cancelled my membership and stopped doing any resistance work at all. I lost some lean muscle and replaced it with fat. This worsened after my surgical menopause. Knowing what I now know from completing my Level 3 Personal Training Diploma and CanRehab Level 4 Cancer Exercise Specialist qualification, I should have been doing resistance exercises the whole way through in order to save my lean muscle and deter fat gain, which can influence recurrence."

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All of this led to the founding of Fireflies Fitness, leading dance and fitness classes to others going through their own cancer journey, including one-on-one coaching, personal training, and ballet classes at Future Dreams (a charity supporting women with a breast cancer diagnosis) and in partnership with the RAD.  

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After 4.5 years in remission, Natalie was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2024, that had spread to her bones and liver. She continues to maintain her strength and quality of life by staying active and nourishing herself with a range of healthy foods.

 

Natalie finds that working with others to help them get through their cancer diagnosis in the best way possible is very healing for herself.