Motivation comes from within.
My job is to help you activate it.
Yours is to take the first step.
A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic illness and supports long-term vitality.
I know this because I spent 17 years as a chest and post-mortem radiologist (doctor who interprets scans). I’ve seen what shortens lives. And now, as a registered health coach, I know what to do about it.
Don’t get me wrong. The NHS is brilliant but it’s also overstretched and there simply isn’t the time to provide the individualised assistance that people often need.
If you're ready to put your health first, I’m here to support you with clear science-based guidance in a way that makes sense for your life.
My story: why I coach
My life changed on Christmas Day 2020. I woke up with severe pain and blurred vision in my left eye. Within weeks both eyes were affected. The pain was constant and the uncertainty overwhelming.
As a Consultant Radiologist I was used to spotting tiny abnormalities on very bright computer monitors. But now light itself had become unbearable and I was pretty sure I wasn’t turning into a vampire. I couldn’t work. I was housebound and miserable. Eventually, I was diagnosed with corneal neuralgia, a rare chronic pain condition.
During the long months of treatment, I had to re-evaluate everything. I realised how far down my own priority list my health had slipped. Long hours, poor sleep, a rushed sandwich at my desk and nowhere in the schedule for self-care.
That was the turning point. I reset my lifestyle. I improved my diet. I moved my body in ways that worked for me. I learned to sleep better. And to my cynical surprise, I found that mindfulness and meditation helped with both pain and stress.
The irony is that apart from my eyes I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been.
I officially retired from the NHS in 2023. I gave up my medical licence but not my drive to support others. Inspired by my own experience I trained as a health coach, bringing together my background and lived experience to help other women do the same.
These days I still struggle with screens, so my husband Pete helps with the admin. You’ll notice I wear dry eye glasses. Not the most glamorous but they do the job.
What I value
Knowledge. Integrity. Evidence. Humour.
I don’t peddle fads or make big promises I can’t back up. What I offer is safe, confidential and compassionate support which is grounded in science.
Outside of work I can usually be found on my Peloton (follow me @the_ruth_hurts), walking in the countryside with Pete or cooking up new recipes. I’m also passionate about travel when my health allows and I co-founded the UK’s first dedicated dry eye charity to raise awareness of this often misunderstood condition (https://dry-eye-association.com).
My credientials.
Because it’s important that your coach knows what they’re doing!
MA in Medical Sciences and Psychology - Cambridge University. Certificate here.
MBBS Medicine - University of London. Certificate here.
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians.
Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists.
MSc Post-mortem CT in Forensic and Natural Death (I know……. it’s a bit weird!) - University of Leicester.
Foundations of Health Coaching - Personalised Care Institute Accredited.
Level 5 Diploma Health Coaching - Health Coaches Academy. Certificate here.
CPD course in Emotional Eating.
Fully insured. Documents here.
Member of the UK and International Health Coaching Association. Please click here for their Scope of Practice
Associate Member of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.
Current student MSc Clinical Nutrition - University of Nottingham.
Start your health journey.
Book a free 30-minute mini coaching session.
We’ll talk about where you are, what matters to you, and how coaching might help.