Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past (okay, about 21 years ago), I was working in the corporate world, minding my own business, when the company chairman found out I was pregnant. His response? “That’s what happens when you employ birds!” Yes, you heard that right—birds! Well, this little bird decided it was time to spread her wings and fly right out of the corporate nest. ✈️
After a bout of salmonella from some questionable chicken on holiday in Morocco (note to self: always double-check your chicken!), I developed irritable bowel syndrome. Pair that with adrenal burnout from running around like a headless chicken (corporate life, am I right?), and my health was in a bit of a tailspin. I was dealing with all sorts of issues, including eczema, and so began my journey to figure out how to fix myself.
It wasn’t just me, either. My sister had her own health problems as a child, and my uncle sadly passed away from bowel cancer in his 50s, which felt way too soon. And let’s not forget my dad, who’d escape to the toilet for over an hour with his crossword puzzle, probably just to get some peace from our household full of females. Hey, everyone’s got a bottom, and everyone’s gotta go!
After dabbling in various therapies—yoga, life coaching, podiatry, occupational health—I finally found my calling: colon hydrotherapy. And so, 20 years ago, I took the plunge. I trained with the founder of modern colon hydrotherapy Dr Milo Siewert (who was amazing) and later did an advanced course with Roger Groos (also amazing). With their phenomenal teachings under my belt, I worked in a clinic for a number of years before deciding to branch out on my own.
Fast forward two decades, and here I am, celebrating 20 years of hydrotherapy, 18 of which have been at The Lowry Hotel. I’ve probably treated over 30,000 bottoms (yes, you read that right)! I’ve got the most amazing clients who trust me with their bowels, and I’ve made some beautiful friendships along the way. I truly feel blessed.
I also want to take a moment to thank The Lowry, who have been like a second family to me. I don’t feel like I work for a living—I skip into the clinic, have an amazing day with wonderful people, and get to do what I love. I’ve definitely found my vocation in dealing with… number two’s.
Here’s to many more years of keeping things moving! Helen x