It's International Women's Day, a day to celebrate every woman everywhere.
But today I want to tell you about a heroine of mine. 35-year-old Leanne Hainsby is a Peloton UK fitness instructor with an inspiring story that truly embodies the spirit of International Women's Day.
As a biased Peloton devotee, I clearly remember my very first ride. While visiting my daughter and family in London in mid-2019, I shared their guest bedroom with a shiny black and red Peloton bike. A Peloton staffer from its 2018 UK launch, my daughter Maraka, arrived home with Peloton cycling shoes for hubby and me. I chose a Leanne Hainsby beginner ride to kick off my fitness odyssey and was addicted from that very first ride.
Perks of being a 'Peloton Mom' also included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Peloton London studio, way before its glamorous Covent Garden location. It was a small team then and I loved meeting instructors Leanne, Ben, Hannah and Sam as well as her colleagues.
Leaving that UK bike was traumatic; waiting for Peloton to grace our Aussie shores excruciating. I've had an Australian bike for over 12 months now and I am still as addicted as I was on that first day.
Thanks to sparkly Ms Hainsby, my passion for fitness is still going strong 5 years later.
This morning, to celebrate International Women's Day, I choose Leanne Hainsby and Kylie Minogue to ride with. We have waited a long time for Peloton to secure a deal with Kylie and her music.
I am nervous. I know it will be a tough ride. Will my knees behave? Will I be able to restrain myself and not overdo it? It's been a slow road back from a knee injury. Yes, I know that longevity guru Dr Peter Attia says working in Zone 2 is the best exercise for longevity. Let me tell you, readers, Zone 2 is so boring. No excitement there.
But the mere sight of Leanne kitted up in a sensational Kylie outfit catches my breath. Anticipatory adrenaline is stirred. A Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry backing dancer in her previous life, only Leanne could do justice to this music. A full playlist of Kylie's best is stacked, ready to roll. She doesn't disappoint. I fall off the bike, hot and sweaty but exhilarated. Two of my favourite performers in one hit.
It's a celebration of girl power.
On reflection, my itsy bitsy knee problem pales into insignificance compared to what Leanne endured during 2022.
The Summer of 2021 was truly exciting for Leanne Hainsby. Fellow Peloton instructor Ben Alldis proposed to her in magical Ibiza in a carefully planned surprise. The Instagram photos were trés romantic, the ring matched her sparkly smile. The world was at their feet.
However, the Summer of 2022 hit hard with tragedy and challenge. The shattering death of her best friend Dannielle Hampson just hours before her wedding to music producer Tom Mann, rocked bridesmaid Leanne to the core.
However, two days before that wedding, Leanne found a lump in her breast. Her first doctor told her not to worry but she persisted. She had breast cancer.
From that moment in mid-2022, until she was ready to reveal her diagnosis to fans, she 'kept calm and carried on'. She arrived in the London studio early on a Wednesday morning to ride and inspire fans, before heading to hospital for a gruelling day of chemo.
Only after the 12 weeks of chemo did she feel ready to reveal that diagnosis to stunned fans in late January.
“Two days before my best friend's funeral, I found a lump in my breast. That really is a sentence I NEVER imagined writing,” Hainsby began her message to her fans. “After multiple scans and appointments with both consultants and cancer nurses, and being completely terrified for a few weeks, in August 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Ironically, Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005, at a similar age. Kylie also had a mammogram which found nothing. A couple of weeks later she found a lump. Just like Minogue, Leanne told fans "I trusted my gut and got a second opinion. That saved my life"
Her Instagram announcement post reveals her vulnerability - softly sleeping under a white blanket, hooked to machines, cold cap to prevent hair loss. Other photos from the hospital, a rainbow vest, and a hot pink vinyl trenchcoat for a grey London day remind us her sparkly spirit never left her. Still thinking of others and brightening up everyone's day is her trademark.
From day one on the Peloton platform, she gathered a community of dedicated followers who looked up to her as a role model and source of inspiration. As one of Peloton's most popular instructors, we have always loved her infectious energy, motivational coaching style, and inspiring playlists
But what makes Leanne's story particularly inspiring is her willingness to divulge her experience as a way of uplifting and empowering others.
That courage was matched by the 8,500 people who joined her first live ride post-announcement to celebrate and show their love and respect. The 'WeRide4Leanne' Peloton rider group has shot to over 20,000 members.
Her indomitable spirit has become a beacon for women everywhere, not just in the Peloton community. Her social media overflows with grateful women battling breast cancer who have been lifted by Leanne's courage.
She continues to inspire countless women around the world to prioritize their health and well-being, and to embrace their unique beauty and strength.
Leanne's journey from a place of self-doubt and insecurity to a position of influence and leadership is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and self-love.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us celebrate brave women like Leanne Hainsby.
Can't get you outa my head - Kylie Minogue
Leanne, I can't wait to be in London soon to jump on a studio ride with you.
But before I go, I want to also acknowledge the silent women who support those out front. My daughter Maraka, now a Senior Programming Manager at Peloton has been one of Leanne's support crew since the beginning. She has been with her through thick and thin and has always had her back.
This wonderful, kind and thoughtful daughter is also my biggest supporter. If it wasn't for her, I would not have joined the Peloton 'cult' and I am mighty glad I've had that opportunity. I am in the best shape of my life.
Happy International Women's Day girls.
Women forget how much we can inspire one another. No-one understands us like us.