Bristol’s answer to Superwoman?

BRI employee and fitness blogger Georgina Hannay is quite possibly the most motivated woman you’ll ever meet – and she’s now got the prestigious accolade to prove it.

One of five finalists in the Women’s Health ‘The Body’ competition, the 29-year-old is in the running to become the magazine’s Body of the Year, and if her amazing figure isn’t enough to motivate you, her story certainly will be.

For the average person, battling with a serious illness, a risky pregnancy and a difficult divorce may seem like three very good reasons to feel sorry for yourself, but the last thing Georgina’s looking for is sympathy – and she claims she’s never been better.

Entering in June, she quickly forgot about the competition, which heralds women who put their health first and use exercise as a way to improve their lives rather than just their looks. A month later she was contacted as a top-ten finalist and summoned to London for the next stage of the judging process. 

After a photo shoot and an interview in front of a panel of celebrity judges, including Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton and Women’s Health editor Katie Mulloy, it was announced that Georgina had made it to the final five.

“I couldn’t believe it. I cried,” says Georgina. “It was the scariest day ever. After they announced the finalists we went straight into hair and makeup for the cover shoot and individual profile shots. It was amazing but a lot to take in in one day!”

Georgina (right) and her fellow finalists in the October issue of Women’s Health

Juggling raising her three-year-old daughter with a hospital job, a successful healthy living blog, professional photography and a jewellery business, Georgina is living proof that you can do it all, but things haven’t always been plain sailing for the single mother of one.

At 24, Georgina was diagnosed with cervical cancer, after six months of going back and forth to her GP with increasing concerns. She then underwent several gruelling operations, which eventually rid her of the cancer but meant it was unlikely she would be able to start a family.

Deciding to go through with a cervical stitch which eventually allowed her to conceive, Georgina was then in such a fragile state that she was put on bed rest for seven months, unable to live the active and busy life she was so used to.

“It was the worst experience of my life. They said I probably wouldn’t be able to carry the baby to term so the stress of it all was terrible. But now she’s here, a happy and healthy toddler. I’m really lucky to have her.” 

Following a difficult divorce just three months after the birth of her daughter, Georgina hit a low point and struggled to regain her confidence: “I woke up one day and decided that it couldn’t go on – Arabella didn’t need to see me like that. Exercise made me feel stronger.”

Like mother like daughter

Georgina and Arabella now live in a cottage outside Clevedon with their two Chihuahuas, with Georgina travelling into Bristol a couple of times a week to work at the BRI.

Inspired to do her bit to help other cancer patients, she applied for a job in the oncology department just six months after she was given the all clear, and feels strongly about the stigma attached to the illness: “It drives me insane that women don’t get their smear tests done. I was so young when I was diagnosed – please don’t wait around!”

The rest of Georgina’s time is mostly devoted to her blog, which focuses on fitness and healthy eating for women on the go. Despite her packed schedule and extensive commitments, keeping fit is top of the agenda for Georgina, and she hopes to lead by example.

“I’ve got a spin bike in my living room and I make myself do five kilometres when I get home. You have to have the right mind-set – I’ve never made time for working out and regretted it. It’s all about motivation.”

A drive to stay healthy, inspire others and give back to the community are all behind Georgina’s latest achievement, and not even gracing the cover of Women’s Health is enough to challenge her humility: “I’ve gained so much recognition for my blog and business throughout the competition it’s overwhelming, and the feedback from people who’ve had similar experiences has been so supportive. It’s all been amazing, even if I don’t win.”

To vote for Georgina, visit www.womenshealthmag.co.uk/thebody.