Bolton Business Awards ‘Woman of the Year’ appears on Channel 4’s Naked Education to promote body positivity and talk menopause
Maura says she has been experiencing menopause symptoms for almost two years and wanted to take part to share her experiences. She said: “No-one tells you what’s happening, no two experiences are identical and there are up to 60 potential symptoms all that could be dismissed as something else including mood swings, weight gain, anxiety, itchy skin, memory loss and so on. But for me it’s been hair loss on my head (female baldness) migraines and restless legs and more recently brain fog.”
Maura also wanted to promote body positivity no matter your size. “I am overweight, a yoyo dieter, I am a size 24, some women might see that as something to be ashamed of and it isn’t. I know losing weight would be healthier for me, but this is who I am, and I do not deserve to be judged by that. So, I was hoping it would enable other women to think the same and tackle stereotypes about ‘fat’ people. My body shape and size shouldn’t hold me back and it doesn’t. I just won Bolton Business Women Awards, Woman of the Year on April 22.”
Maura also wants to tackle the wider concept of promoting body positivity as it is an issue they see at Backup with young women and men all the time. Young people in our accommodation and support services are prioritising image over food. They are so pressured by peers and media to look a certain way that isn’t always natural, healthy or affordable.
She said: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We filmed last October so it’s been a long wait. People have commented that they think I am brave and inspirational, but I don’t feel like that. I just think I am strong enough to speak out and that enables the conversation to become normalised. I don’t care about people’s perceptions of my weight or personal appearance. I feel secure enough in myself. But that’s not for ego – I knew it could help others.”
Maura will also be hosting a Colour Me Safe event at Bolton Stadium Hotel on Thursday, May 11, to raise awareness of domestic abuse and also funds for her charity Backup North West and another local charity, Endeavour which is a charity that helps victims of domestic abuse and their pets in our local area. On the night there will be shopping opportunities from local businesses, Carrs pasties will be served and talks by inspirational speakers including barrister Anna Warters, Jill Caldwell Chief Executive of Endeavour, Emily and Laura Leyland from Fresh Perspective and Maura Jackson as host and keynote speaker.
