Hi, I'm Heather
I'm living proof that designing and creating a new life, even with long-term health issues, is absolutely possible.
Through my unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience, I help small business owners navigate their journey back to work after illness or injury.
I often forget quite how much I've been through
When friends and colleagues said, "You're so brave, I don't know how you do it!", I didn't feel brave at all. I felt as if I was dying inside. After months of unexplained deteriorating health, I was diagnosed with a stroke and blood cancer in quick succession. I had lost my health and my life.
But, somewhere beyond the struggle was an ember refusing to be extinguished; a battle I was not willing to lose.
At just the right moment, one of my team shared the most eloquent words: "You've had a soft brush with the fragility of the human existence."
This helped me to realise the enormity of what had happened to me, allowing space to grieve the life I'd lost while inspiring me to move forward with a growth mindset, even when I didn't feel brave or motivated.
Creating a New Path
Having a stroke in my 40s triggered the collapse of almost everything around me. Most of my life needed rebuilding in one way or another, and anything that didn't collapse, I've since chosen to take apart and rebuild, so that I could create a life that works with me and not against me.
Just a few years ago, I was living my lifelong dream of running my own successful physiotherapy, serious injury and rehabilitation business. But once I became ill, over time I realised the long hours and lack of support weren't doing my health any favours.
This led me to explore new avenues that would allow me to intentionally create a future that would be sustainable for my health, meet all my needs and bring me joy while enabling me to share my professional and personal experiences.
Looking Forward
I now support entrepreneurs and small business owners to create a life of freedom: managing long-term illness or injury with the demands of work and business in a way that fosters flexibility, freedom and connection to purpose.
I've found life-changing ways to thrive that support the everyday needs of my health conditions while simultaneously bringing me joy and allowing me the time and space to travel around the UK in my camper van, enjoy hikes in the countryside with my dog and spend quality time with family and friends.
Ready to start your journey towards a more resilient business?
Let's have a conversation about your needs and how I can help.
professional
Experience & Qualifications
Education & Certifications
B Physiotherapy (Hons) 1995
Orthopaedic Medicine International 1999
Advanced Certificate in Occupational Health 2000
Post Graduate Certificate in Workplace Ergonomics 2005
Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation 2011
JEMS Movement Systems Certified Practitioner 2011
Somatic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification 2023
CanRehab - Cancer & Exercise Rehabilitation Physiotherapy specialist 2024
Career Highlights
1995: Qualified as a physiotherapist and began work in the NHS
1997-2004: Occupational health physiotherapist at BAE, Cumbria
2004-2006: Set up an NHS Spinal Pain service with Return to Work support
2006-2010: Set up a private physiotherapy practice
2010-2014: Lead Occupational health physiotherapist NHS Fitness for work service
2017: Consultant Physiotherapist
2014-2023: Founder & Director of Designed2Move
2023: Set up HKM22 Ltd
Awards & Recognition
2015: National Award for Promoting Activity and Healthy Lifestyles -The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
2015: NHS England Rehabilitation and Innovation Award
2019: Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioner of the Year award
2019: Speaker at the World Congress of Physiotherapy
Professional Memberships
Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Registered with the Health Care Professions Council
Professional Member of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association
Associate Member of the Professional Speakers Association
Good to know about me...
Favourite way to spend a weekend is walking in the Peak District with Pedro, my gorgeous spaniel!
Place I most want to explore: Next on my dream list is an African safari, but really want to just explore the world.
I was too many years old when: I discovered personal shopping (I usually hate shopping!!)
Big dream for the next 5 years: To do all the things I've wanted to do and make it happen for myself!
Something you might not know about me: I have a passion for photography, and love learning more through deep chats about life and the universe.
Current Favourite Quote
We have two lives, the second begins when we realise we only have one. - Confucius 550BC
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Copyright 2025. Heather McLellan, HKM22 Consulting. All Rights Reserved.