I would love to hear your story? What are the experiences that shaped who you are today?

I’m married with 2 daughters and a Grandmother of 1, with another coming. I trained as a Nurse, have 2 University degrees and certificates in Fitness and Aquatic education.

Life when I was younger took me around the world with my father’s work, 13 different schools and things happened that were out of my control.

I started my own business in Aqua rehabilitation in 2008.

I have always been active- a competitive swimmer and dancer when younger.

I injured my foot in 2012 which was incorrectly diagnosed then I was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour.
After an Awake Craniotomy in 2013 it was diagnosed as Cancer-AA3, then I had Chemo/Radiation.

Through all this I kept working to keep my mental and physical health in check- 2 jobs at SportWn and Kilbirnie pools. Working to provide the best for my girls and to show them that when you fall down 5 times you get up 6!

I fundraise on my bike as I can’t drive anymore, for the Cancer Society and Malaghan Institute. I can’t work anymore and can’t do lots of things I love to do anymore.

I recently had an accident when a car hit me on my bike. Another near miss!

Through all this and more I remain as positive as I can.

My daughters and granddaughter are my reason I’m still here!

I take life one day at a time now, each day grateful to wake up and hear the birds in the morning see the sunrise and the sunset at night.

This is me!

Turning 50 is a huge milestone, what are your thoughts around this?

I was only supposed to live 1-5 years when I was diagnosed with AA3, age 42, so it is a Huge milestone for me!

Research shows that a lot of women want to know that the work they do is significant, meaningful and embodies their highest potential. What do you think?

I would love to have a purpose in life, that is what I feel a meaningful life is.
I feel my purpose now, as i love to help people and animals, is to fundraise for the charities i do, and any others i can hook into using my bike as my tool, as I can’t do any impact activities anymore.
My highest potential has been challenged but i do what i can to achieve my goals.

What words of wisdom, based on your personal experience, would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own inner light and inner power?

I would say don’t give up on your goals and dreams, take one step at a time.
There will always be someone faster, fitter, more intelligent and so on- but you be you- just be yourself and make your light and inner power the best you can be!

Who are the women that you find inspiring and have influenced you in some way? And why?

Dancers and Swimmers I looked up to as Mentors and Teachers/Coaches.

My Cancer Counsellor who helped me find Hope when I lost myself.
Great Instructors at my gym who encourage and motivate me to be the best of who I can be.

Have you ever been professionally photographed? If yes, what was your experience? Is there anything that could have been improved upon?

Yes, when I was younger and for Hair Modelling. After Cancer in Papers.
After Cancer my scars have affected my appearance- I don’t try to hide them but they could be improved upon with makeup.

Why are beautiful photos of yourself important to you now?

To show what has made me who I am now. My scars and all!
My family don’t take many photos of me.

Editor’s note : Louise is a brain tumour survivor. That she survived that challenge is by itself worth saluting. But she not only survived, she has taken it upon herself to help other survivors and help the community to fundraise by cycling when she could easily have just rested and taken it easy, makes her not only a Shero but a Supershero.

Her smile lights up the room. After all she has gone through to smile so brilliantly takes a rare strength and inner power.

What else can I say? She has said it all in her powerful words. Louise truly is an inspiration not only for her girls but for all of us who knows her and reads her story.