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Survivor. Run leader. Kindness spreader.
After beating colon cancer, Jess found strength in running - leading 445 Run Club and completing her first half marathon. Her story has reached women around the world, reminding them (and herself) that we’re capable of more than we know.
If someone didn’t know you, how would you describe who you are?
I would describe myself as a very passionate person who likes to spread kindness to other people. I think I enjoy inspiring people. And putting a smile on other people's faces.
What lights you up?
I think having a positive impact on people around me lights me up in any shape or form. I just enjoy helping other people.
What are some words others would use to describe you?
That's a tricky one! I think kind. Ambitious. Strong. Yeah, those are probably the top ones.
Can you tell us a bit about any adversity you’ve faced in your life?
I had quite a tough childhood growing up. I lost my mum in a car accident when I was 15 years old, which was really tough
for me. And then at 26 years old, I was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. And that obviously completely changed the course of my life. When I found out about my diagnosis, I was really shocked and really scared. I went through major surgeries, so I had half of my colon removed and then went through six months of chemotherapy.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time, and why?
I think I was about one year post my treatment and I joined a run club. I really didn't enjoy it at the beginning, but still continued to show up anyway. And it was a way of me just proving to myself that I don't actually have to be very good at something, to show up for myself and do that. I've been going for just over a year now. And now I'm one of the leaders there.
What running goals have you achieved, and how did they make you feel?
I did my first half marathon in November last year, and I think it's just reinforced my confidence in myself, being able to achieve things that I genuinely never thought that I could achieve.
What inspires you?
Human beings inspire me, the way that people interact with each other… yeah, other people inspire me.
What’s the most touching feedback you’ve received from someone you inspired?
Oh… it’s going to make me emotional! I have received a couple of messages, from girls overseas that have been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. And just knowing that sharing my story has helped them in their journey has been, just made it all worth it.
How does it feel like to be recognised as a force, amongst other inspirational women?
I don't see myself as a force. I'm just Jess. I really do think that most women are force, to be honest.
Can you name any other female forces that inspire you/you look up to?
There are so many women out there that I think are forces that have been through some challenging times, and they continue to show up as the beautiful woman that they are.
When do you most feel like a force?
I most feel like a force when I'm getting up in front of 200 people at 445 Run Club and telling them that we're going to go for a 40 minute run at 4.45am in the morning.
What makes you feel comfortable in your skin?
I really enjoy having a routine, having rituals that I stick to, looking after my health, looking after my skin and looking after my body and my mind. All of those things make me feel grounded. Having a routine in terms of my skincare is a very key element to me, looking after myself. And it's showing my self-love.
Do you use Trilogy products? If so, what’s your favourite product?
Yes, my favourite product is rosehip oil and the cleansing oil.
What do you love about Trilogy?
I love the ingredients Trilogy use. They're always taking into consideration what we're putting into our bodies, which I really appreciate. I love the team at Trilogy, and I love the ethos behind the brand. Everything about it is just, yeah, paying your body respect and love and making sure that you're filling it with good ingredients.
