Fireflies Fitness CIC was founded in June 2022 by Natalie Hall during her recovery from breast cancer. 

​

She was diagnosed in February 2019 whilst 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.

​

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

 

"I met many patients who were going into treatment without the level of fitness that I had. I was finding it difficult enough to deal with as it was but I could tell I was coping as well as I was due to staying active" she said.​ 

​

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! 

​

"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."​

​

In April 2024 Natalie was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer that had spread to her bones and liver. She continues to maintain her strength and quality of life by staying active and she is delighted to be well enough to continue her work supporting the cancer community to move through their diagnosis.

​