THE sudden loss of her father prompted Rachael Hattersley to put her own life into perspective.

While she enjoyed her role within the financial services industry, she hadn’t appreciated how all-consuming her career had become. Suddenly she realised life was potentially passing her by.

The catalyst for Rachael to make the change was the sudden death of her father, Trevor, from a heart attack. He was only 65.

“I think that is what made me think, he didn’t get to retire, and putting off all the things I said I wanted to do, I thought ‘what if I never get to retire?’ recalls Rachael.

“I could see I was putting off living until I retired. It was just work, work, work and just planning so far in front my head was never empty, I had no space.”

The 44-year-old from Cleckheaton had already discovered the benefits of Dru Yoga while seeking a remedy for the back pain she had been plagued by and to help reduce stress.

Developed in 1988 by a group of university students from Bangor and based on the ancient yoga tradition with elements of Tai Chi, Rachael explains Dru Yoga is a softer and flowing form of yoga which can be more accessible for those seeking a less physical form of the pursuit.

“It focuses more on the energy and the flow of the movement. I really like it because when I came to it I had a lot of pain myself. I couldn’t move very well and wasn’t used to doing much exercise. It was a more gentle form,” she says.

It is a decade since Rachael started going to yoga after it was recommended to her as a way of easing her back pain. After exploring, and experiencing the many benefits of Dru yoga herself, Rachael began passing those on.

“I wasn’t unhappy in my job. I was busy and stressed and I didn’t have any time for myself. It became like it was all- consuming.”

Although she had already started going on courses to learn more about Dru Yoga, and was teaching some classes, redundancy from her role within the financial services industry forced her to pursue her pastime as a profession.

“I went on courses on evenings and weekends and I went to a class because I knew they were helping me. It was such a gift to have one and a half hours of ‘me’ time.

“It was my sanity, the fact I could go somewhere for an hour and a half a week, it was like it saved me at a time that was really awful,” she says, referring to the devastation she felt at the loss of her father.

“I went on courses, anything that inspired me, made me smile or feel a bit happier.”

Rachael recalls reaching a point where she was contemplating her future but needed some direction. She managed to reduce her working hours and began teaching Dru Yoga classes.

Following her redundancy she was able to set up Aspire to be for Health, Wellbeing and Happiness. Rachael teaches regular classes weekly at St Mary’s Church Hall, Green Lane, Wyke, from noon until 1.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 8.20pm until 9.35pm on Thursdays. She also runs a class from 5.30pm until 7pm at Birstall Wellbeing Centre on Thursdays, as well as workshops.

Rachael’s change of career has transformed her life - and she couldn’t be happier. These days she rarely gets back pain and her greatest satisfaction is seeing the smiles on the faces of those who enjoy coming to her class.

And to prove you’re never too old to learn Dru Yoga, Rachael’s clients range from in their 30s to 90s. “People use it for all sorts of things,” she says.

Rachael explains how it can boost endorphins (the body’s feel-good chemicals) and there is the social aspect to the classes too - bringing people together.

“It helps people with their resilience level - a lot of people who care for people who aren’t well, it builds the resilience up to cope with life and that is why I found it re-built my resilience after my Dad.

“It can ease headaches and migraines. A lot of people may not be good on their feet but it improves their balance, their confidence at moving.

“You can feel empowered in your own life, your own health, and you feel you are doing something. A lot of people with health challenges feel there is nothing they can do, but to feel you can do something can help with that.”

Rachael says she can adapt the session so that anyone, of any age and with any level of health or fitness can benefit.

“Most people say I am the happiest person they know these days,” says Rachael.

Dru Yoga has helped her find herself again and she sees the benefits in those she teaches too. Even husband, Matt Booth, attends her classes.

“One lady was so anxious and by the end of the class she was smiling and relaxed and there is magic in that. You can see people transform in front of your eyes.

“It is magical and the way a community is formed, people get to know each other and support each other.”

“People feel better about themselves and what is a nicer thing to do in the world but help people feel better about themselves?”

For Norman Wheatley and the many more Dru Yoga enthusiasts attending Rachael’s class, the benefits are endless.

At 91, Norman is already active for his age and there is no doubt Dru Yoga has contributed to his continuing agility. Spending his working life farming and in construction - he was a general foreman for a building company for 25 years before joining the council’s parks department - has also kept him active and he is determined to stay that way.

Norman’s introduction to Dru Yoga three years ago came through a friend’s recommendation.

It is now part of his weekly routine along with his music - he plays the harmonica and saxophone too!

“I do what I can do and what I cannot do I don’t attempt,” says Norman.

“But I always come back feeling better than when I went.”

And he doesn’t mind being part of a female-dominated activity either: “It is a nice relaxed atmosphere and the people who go are nice. It is pleasurable.”

Dru Yoga brings many benefits to those who participate in this popular form of exercise.

For more information, call 01274 878779 or 07984 923243; email rachael@aspiretobe.net; visit aspiretobe.net or check out facebook.com/AspireWellbeing.