With just over a week to go until her 24-hour Danceathon, we caught up with our founder Laura to hear more about her motivation and what this challenge represents.
This is an incredible challenge Laura, what inspired you to choose to do a 24-hour Danceathon raising money for WayfinderWoman?
There’s a stereotypical image of an older woman: grey hared, past the prime of her life, frail, confused by modern life and needs looking after. On my 70th birthday year I wanted to smash that image and show that women, no matter what their age are capable of being strong, independent and open to challenges. Plus we know that music and dance is a great way to improve our mental and physical wellbeing, make connections with others and become part of a community and that’s what WayfinderWoman is all about.
Have you done anything like this before, or is this completely new territory for you?
No! And I’ll probably not do anything like this again! To be honest, I’ve always wanted to be on Strictly and this is going to be the closest I’ll ever be to that.
Dancing for 24 hours is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. How are you preparing mentally?
To be honest it’s been the training since October that’s been the most challenging mentally and physically. There’s been times when I’ve been thoroughly miserable doing my steps through gales and downpours and wanting to ‘cheat’ and pretend I’d done what I was told to do but I just kept on reminding myself that I’m doing this to raise money so other women can be helped to face their own challenge. During the 24 hrs Marco who is an ultra-athlete gave me some wonderful advice – just focus on each minute. Don’t look for the long-term and what’s ahead when you’re facing what seems to be an insurmountable challenge, as that will drain you. You’ve done that minute, or five minutes and now we’re onto the next minute. I think that’s a great attitude to life generally, don’t you?
Was there ever a time where you felt your voice was hidden and you needed the support WayfinderWoman offers?
Oh yes. When I was younger, coping with ill health, redundancies, caring for family I felt lost and frustrated because I knew I was capable of so much more. I wasn’t being allowed to be who I could, and wanted, to be. There was no help for me then that’s why I set up the charity so other women didn’t need to feel that way.
Has this experience changed how you think about health and fitness?
Definitely. Yes at times it’s been a real drag to do the endurance training, but I feel so much better in myself. There was one time I remember when I’d done all the strength exercises for the day but not managed to do all of the steps needed. I was roaming around the house in the evening busting to get out for a walk. Something I never would have imagined. I’ve recognised how much better I feel emotionally, mentally and physically. Getting out walking and listening to bird song, watching the clouds connected me to nature and we know that makes you feel better.
Is there a moment you’re most looking forward to during the 24 hours?
The end! No, seriously because each hour is a different dance style and we’re being taught the dance first then dancing it, that’s going to be interesting. Never having had a dance lesson in my life that’ll be fun – and probably fun for those watching me make a fool of myself in the process! And seeing everything coming together: the live streaming and all the tech involved (think Top of the Pops Brian said), being part of a supportive community of dance leaders, volunteers and supporters is going to be great.
And finally—what will be the first thing you do once the challenge is complete?
Well once the adrenaline has gone I’ll probably sleep. Although there’s the Hailsham Fun Run the next day and many of the people that have supported me are running in that, so I’ll take a gentle walk into town and give them a cheer.