After enduring ill health and setbacks, 12WBT Member Leanne enjoys a glamorous treat, thanks to the teams at Napoleon Perdis and TONI&GUY.
Leanne from Bassendean in WA is this week’s winner of the 12WBT Round 3 makeover competition.
In celebration of Leanne’s inspiring 12WBT journey, she won a one-hour makeover session with a Napoleon Perdis Creative Team makeup artist and a hair makeover session with a TONI&GUY art director. The hair session included a Personalised Therapy Treatment, cut and blow-dry, and Leanne also took home a Napoleon makeup bag valued at $150 and a TONI&GUY Label M pack valued at $150.
When asked how a glamour makeover would complete her 12 Week Body Transformation, Leanne said, “This time last year I didn’t have any hair, thanks to chemo. I weighed an extra 35kg and no one wanted to look at me, which was fine as I just wanted to be invisible.
Leanne pre-makeover
“Now, my health is on the up, I’ve shed weight (and other personal baggage), participated in the Colour Run (while still on chemo), the Mother’s Day Classic fun run, HBF Run For a Reason and even tried my best to finish the Perth 100km Oxfam Trailwalker.
“Money is tight since I had to take time off work due to cancer,” Leanne explains. “I often book hair appointments, only to have to cancel them as I can’t afford to go.
“I’m looking forward to working more hours next year just so I can afford to buy new underwear and have my hair cut. Something as simple as a haircut, which I used to take for granted, is now an absolute luxury. As for makeup, what’s that?! I wish I could splurge so that my looks keep up with my positive mindset when I’m with my friends, family and professionally.”
Clearly Leanne is a very deserving winner! And doesn’t she look fabulous after her makeover?
Leanne looking stunning after her makeover
Post-makeover, Leanne says: “It was amazing, beyond words! I just want to send a HUGE thank you to Michelle and 12WBT. This program has been such a beautiful thing to take part in, and to win this makeover has been the icing on the cake!”
Leanne’s 12WBT Journey
Number of Rounds: Three
Kilos Lost: 35kg
About Leanne: A fighter and a survivor, a few years ago Leanne had it all. About to marry the love of her life and a mum-to-be, within weeks her future was shattered when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Her relationship ended and she was left to face chemo alone as well as life as a single mum to her son.
Leanne’s 12WBT journey is a testament that there’s no such thing as impossible.
Inspiration to join 12WBT: ”Because of the chemo, I’d put on a stack of weight and lost my mojo. I had a baby that depended on me, but the ultimate inspiration was the raw realisation that if I was going to do this and do it properly I had to do it for myself,” Leanne recalls.
“I really struggled with guilt and the pressure to be a good mum versus spending time and money on myself, but I realised it was time for me to stop existing and start living!
“To justify paying for my12WBT registration, I bought it as a combined birthday and Christmas present for myself. It was the best present ever! I knew I had to do this; being a better me would benefit the people I love.
Leanne definitely got rewarded for her 12WBT efforts with this day of pampering
Turning Point: ”Recently I got a little cocky with how well the healthy new me was doing. I was living the dream and people were commenting on how happy I seemed, but I wasn’t acknowledging to myself how well I was doing.”
Leanne had a setback with a foot injury that forced her to take some time out, even though she was only halfway through her journey and had another 30kg to lose. “I’d lost touch with setting new goals, and the injury and enforced time out made me think about the big picture again,” says Leanne.
Biggest Motivator: “I’d always been a reluctant exerciser, but when I accepted it was okay to find exercise I enjoyed, training went from being strange to a fun habit in my daily life,” she says.
Leanne’s Top 12WBT Tip: “Remember to befriend your goal, truly acknowledge it when you achieve it, take time to celebrate and enjoy it before you move on to the next one.”
Hi Leanne I have been thinking about joining MB12WBT again but due to bowel cancer myself I thought it would be too much hassle for me. As I am cured though with a stoma to my stomach I didnt want to begin again & then put to healing process again that could take another 2 months. I am happy that I have come across your article…your inspiration story. I have been questioning myself whether I should or not come back To MB12WBT?? By the way Leanne you look amazing!! how excited you must have felt to win the competition…WOW!! & as a single mum with your daughter, she is so lucky to have you & I believe you will do all you need to make sure that you are strong not only for YOU but also for her because you have to. Thank you so much for sharing your story. All the best to come
Hey Nora Kiwi Kiwi,
That’s fantastic to hear that you’re now cancer free and ready to plan those little steps back to a fitter, healthier and happier you! Like Leanne and yourself, we do have lots of members join us with serious injuries or conditions which make it difficult for them to follow their Exercise or Meal Plans as prescribed. What’s great though, as 12WBT is as flexible as you need it to be, these peeps are still nailing goals and making the program work for them regardless! As there are 4 elements to the program, i.e. exercise, nutrition, mindset and community, even if you are unable to participate in one area, there is still other areas you can put your focus into 🙂 With any pre-existing injuries and conditions of any severity, it’s best to get the ‘all clear’ from your medical professionals first – if it’s all good we’d love to have you join us and I know you’ll be well-supported by your fellow teammates!
Kind regards,
Chooky
12WBT Support Crew
WOW! Leanne you are an AMAZING woman! You endured battle after battle, yet you had the courage to sign up to the 12wbt and rise above it all. I think many of us find the 12wbt challenge enough. I’m so glad you have done this for yourself. Your child is so lucky to have such a tough mummy, and an awesome role model. You are so deserving of your makeover and I hope good things keep coming your way.
PS: I love the new you! Great makeover guys!
Thank you 12wbt crew. It was the best reward and has helped me re-focus to get on with my 12wbt commitment. The only edit I would make is to the article is to confirm that I was married for a few years before falling pregnant. I wish to apologise to my in-laws and assure them that the edit was unintentional. It was unfortunate that my marriage ended but I managed to pull it together to raise a beautiful child and continue my battle with cancer. Recognition of weightloss is one thing, but this makeover has enabled me to take stock of my life achievements for the last 4 years. Give me this upgraded version of Leanne anyday!! To share this special time with my family and friends has meant the world to me. Thanks again, Leanne xx