A winner of a leading BBC cookery programme who has twice overcome cancer is among the inspirational speakers at a major health and wellbeing event being held for the first time in Coventry.
Jane Devonshire, who was crowned MasterChef champion in 2016, will be taking to the stage at the Being Well Festival which aims to promote happier, healthier lives by educating people about their health and general wellness at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.
The mum-of-four took part in the popular television show after recovering from breast and liver cancer and has now been in remission for seven years.
Coventry residents are urged to be part of the event which is free, visitors will need to book tickets to attend by going to www.beingwellfestival.co.uk and places can be booked at www.beingwellfestival2019.eventbrite.co.uk
The Being Well event on Thursday, October 24 will give visitors the opportunity to shop at a ‘wellbeing marketplace’, take part in activities and taster sessions, receive one-to-one advice on health and wellbeing and attend a special ticketed lunch.
The festival coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Haven will benefit from funds raised throughout the day.
Jane, who has also written her first book Hassle Free Gluten Free, said: “When I received the news that I had breast cancer, it was a big shock. I was healthy, I hardly drank, I didn’t smoke, I had breast-fed my four children and there was no history of breast cancer in the family. It was a bolt out of the blue.
“It was awful having chemotherapy, it is revolting. I really struggled but you have to do these things, it was part of being well again.
“Life was getting back to normal when just before the five-year remission mark, I discovered I had secondary cancer in the liver and I had a liver resection to remove the tumour.
“After the operation, I continued to look after our four children who are now aged between 17 and 28 before I was persuaded by my youngest son to enter MasterChef.
“I turned 50 the year I became MasterChef champion and to say it has changed my life is an understatement. I have a career and I am doing something that I am passionate about.
“I am looking forward to coming to Coventry for the event and it is a great initiative.”
Ricoh Arena is also a main sponsor of the Being Well Festival where other cancer charities will have an opportunity to feature at the event.
Mary Rhodes, BBC Presenter and Chair of the Breast Cancer Haven Development Board, believes the festival is a great way for people to learn how to make changes to their lives to improve their health.
She said: “We can all find a way to look after ourselves through better nutritional choices, increased physical activity and a more conscious approach to our overall health.
“The Being Well Festival aims to assist with all of this. So whether you’re going through breast cancer, experiencing other health issues or are just more conscious of a need to change your lifestyle, we’re here to help.
“I hope people see the Being Well Festival as an opportunity to learn more and to make positive changes to their health and wellbeing.”
Breast Cancer Haven operates from seven locations including Solihull and provides emotional, physical and practical support for anyone affected by breast cancer including one-to-one therapy and counselling for family and friends.
Visit breastcancerhaven.org.uk to find out more.