Helen Waddington

IBS Freedom Coach

How Helen’s IBS Freedom Retreats were born… Our IBS Freedom Retreats has been a dream in the making for over a decade. Helen, the founder, is a self-confessed “retreat junkie” who has spent the past 21 years traveling the world, soaking up the magic of retreats in places like Thailand, Europe, and the UK. From fasting and detox retreats to juice cleanses, yoga retreats, vegan cooking workshops, and even breathwork retreats, Helen has embraced it all.

Every retreat she attended taught her something new, not just about wellness but about herself. These experiences shaped her, giving her the tools and knowledge to overcome challenges like depression, stress, emotional trauma, and IBS – all naturally, without medication. Today, Helen’s gut health and immune system is a fortress, and she rarely gets ill, all thanks to the self-healing techniques and practices she’s discovered along the way.

After years of personal growth and professional experience, plus having passed her Detox Retreat Teacher Training in 2017, Helen decided to create something truly special for her clients. She envisioned a retreat that wasn’t just a break from the everyday but a transformational experience where women could feel supported, empowered, and reconnected to themselves. With a strong focus on gut health and core strength, of course…

And so, IBS Freedom Retreats was created – run by women, for women, with an incredible team brought together to support every guest on their journey to wellness. Helen’s passion, combined with her decades of retreat knowledge, ensures that every retreat experience is meaningful, healing, and completely unforgettable.

Jane Desborough

Wellness Coordinator

Meet Jane, our wonderful wellness coordinator at Zen Belly Retreats. With over 30 years of experience as a seasoned children’s nanny, Jane is known for her natural empathy, care, and boundless love. Now stepping into the role of wellness coordinator for our upcoming retreats, she brings a delightful mix of warmth, compassion, and fun to create a nurturing and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Jane is amazing with people, going out of her way to ensure you are comfortable and happy during your stay. Her friendly and approachable nature makes her someone you’ll want to spend time with and confide in. Jane’s dedication to your well-being is evident in every aspect of her work, from the personal touches she adds to your stay to the genuine care she shows each guest.

At Zen Belly Retreats, Jane’s primary goal is to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Her warm personality and extensive experience in caring for others make her an invaluable member of our team. Whether you need assistance with your accommodations, a listening ear, or just a friendly face, Jane is here to help.

Come and experience the genuine hospitality and loving care that Jane brings to Zen Belly Retreats. With her by your side, you’ll feel supported, nurtured, and truly at home. Join us and get ready to embark on a journey towards better health and wellness, knowing you have someone as wonderful as Jane to guide you along the way.

Tal Morris

Yoga Teacher

Tal discovered yoga over a decade ago and has been practicing regularly ever since. She loved the connection between her breath and body, reaching a blissful state after each yoga class. Wanting to deepen her understanding of yoga, Tal trained under Yogachara Lalit in 2019, in Cork, Ireland and achieved her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training

Since then, Tal has taught students of all levels. Her calm, gentle, and intuitive approach ensures that each student leaves her classes feeling grounded. She takes great interest in her students’ practice, finding joy in teaching people of all ages and experience levels. Tal is passionate about seeing her students benefit both physically and emotionally through yoga.

Tal integrates Breathwork and Meditation into her classes, viewing these elements as invaluable tools for calming the nervous system and releasing physical tension—something essential in the modern world.

Lindsey Abbott

Fitness Instructor

Lindsey is the founder of Shimmy ‘n’ Groove Fitness Ltd, based in Chelmsford, Essex, where she has built a vibrant and inclusive community centred around health, movement, and joy. With a passion for helping people feel happier and more confident in their own skin, Lindsey’s approach to fitness is simple, effective, and above all, fun. Her mission is to create a welcoming environment where everyone—regardless of age, ability, or experience—can reconnect with their bodies, build strength, and, as she says, “find their fabulous!”

With years of experience delivering energising group classes and tailored sessions, Lindsey understands how movement can positively impact both physical and emotional well-being. Her sessions focus not only on fitness but on helping people embrace self-expression, boost their mood, and discover the sheer joy of moving their bodies.

At the retreat, Lindsey will lead an energising mobility and core session designed to invigorate, strengthen, and inspire. Expect a blend of accessible movements, light-hearted energy, and her signature approach that will leave you feeling grounded, revitalised, and empowered. Whether you’re looking to improve flexibility, build core strength, or simply reconnect with your body, Lindsey’s session promises to be a highlight of the retreat.

Lindsey’s warm and uplifting presence makes her a joy to work with, and she’s excited to bring her unique style to this beautiful retreat setting.

Julie White

Holistic Pelvic Health

Meet Julie, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the visionary behind Pussy Galore®, a platform dedicated to guiding women on transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing. Through a carefully crafted toolkit of self-care practices, Julie empowers women to nurture their pelvic health, reconnect with their true selves, and foster overall wellness. Her approach is rooted in the belief that the state of the pelvic bowl profoundly influences every aspect of life, making these techniques indispensable for women seeking lasting transformation.

Throughout her career, Julie has been committed to creating supportive spaces that foster growth and well-being. Starting as an educator, she connected children with nature to enhance their emotional and social development, founding Nature to Nurture Ltd to champion outdoor education and its impact on resilience. Transitioning into holistic health, Julie now helps women reconnect with themselves through Energy Work, Belief Coding and Pelvic Health practices, empowering them to release trauma and regain control of their physical and emotional well-being.

Julie’s personal journey is one of resilience and triumph. Having faced her own gynaecological challenges—she also endured the emotional toll of sexual trauma, which left her disconnected from her pelvic bowl and experiencing numbness in the vaginal canal. The turning point came through Intuitive Massage and Belief Coding, enabling her to release trapped emotions, heal mentally, and resolve physical symptoms. Her work deepened further when her daughter’s prolonged battle with endometriosis inspired Julie to explore holistic pelvic care. This not only provided support for her daughter but also healed Julie’s own PTSD.

Julie brings compassion, expertise, and a deep belief in each person’s potential to everything she does. Now liberated from her own challenges, she is passionate about helping others reclaim their health, confidence, and inner strength.