Latest news with #Giovanna
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
West Lothian mum-of-two shares hysterectomy experience in short book published in two languages
Giovanna Surleti documented her own story on a subject that some still consider taboo A West Lothian woman who had surgery to remove her womb last year has written a book on her experience to help other women who undergo a hysterectomy. Mum-of-two Giovanna Surleti, who lives in Fauldhouse, has released the short book, Not a Country for Wombs Diary of a Whole Woman: Living without a uterus in a society that demands it. The book is available in both English and Italian language versions. Although she has only lived in West Lothian since 2019, 35-year-old Giovanna is an Italian national from Reggio Calabria, situated on the southern coast of the mainland overlooking Sicily. Giovanna said: 'I had been bleeding really really heavily and after a couple of other things were tried it seemed the only way. I'd been on blood transfusions and other stuff. So it was my last chance. 'The surgery was in March last year. I've been good since then, I'm a new woman and now have to rediscover myself again. 'There are a lot of woman who are ashamed after the surgery, who ask themselves, 'What am I now?'. 'It can be a devastating surgery whether you have children or not. I have two teenage daughters, aged 16 and 14. 'The book is only 45 pages but it tells my personal story of undergoing a hysterectomy at the age of 35. It's like a kind of before, during and after diary starting before surgery. 'It is not a medical essay, nor do I consider myself a professional writer. English is not my first language, and I wrote the book in Italian at first but I felt deeply that I wanted to honour the country that welcomed me, by sharing my voice in both Italian and English. 'The book is intimate and honest, born not from ambition, but from the need to break the silence around a topic that is still too often considered taboo. My only goal is to raise awareness, May was Hysterectomy Awareness Month.' The cover of the book, which is available in both paperback and digital formats, features a photograph of Giovanna's leg sporting a tattoo of a 'bull flower' which carries special meaning to her, as it represents a uterus, but not just the physical organ. 'It's not just a design choice, it visually reflects some of the deeper themes within the story, a kind of symbolic doorway into the world I've written about. 'The tattoo I wear is intimately connected to the narrative. I actually write about it in the book, it's more than ink, it's part of my personal journey, a reminder of what led me to write my story in the first place.' As Giovanna's book explains, the tattoo represents 'the power to create, to transform, even without the ability to bear children'. Giovanna works as a civil servant but is also studying psychology at university. 'I was doing sessions with a psychotherapist before my surgery and it became really important during the whole process. I feel the need to be able to help other women. But it's a long way.' The paperback and Kindle versions of the book are available via Amazon, search for its title or author: Surleti, Giovanna Rita.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Giovanna Fletcher brings star power and inspiration to new BBC Sport Couch to 5K Podcast
Best-selling author, actress, presenter, and beloved podcast host Giovanna Fletcher is fronting a brand-new Couch to 5K podcast, launching exclusively on BBC Sounds from Friday, 25 April. Created by BBC Sport in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, this fresh audio companion to the popular NHS Couch to 5K app is designed to inspire the nation to get moving. Each week, Giovanna is joined by special guests – including Jo Whiley, Charley Marlowe, and Lindsey Burrow – who share powerful, personal stories to keep you motivated with every step. Whether you're lacing up for your first run or getting back into the rhythm, the podcast brings warmth, encouragement, and real-life inspiration to help you stay on track. Giovanna Fletcher said: 'Being part of The Couch to 5K Podcast has been such a joy. Running can do wonders for your mind and body, and this podcast is all about offering support, motivation and a friendly voice to keep you going—no matter where you are on your journey.' Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention said: "Getting active isn't just good for your body – it works wonders for your mental wellbeing too, clearing your mind and boosting your motivation. And that's true for every single one of us, regardless of our starting point. 'As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to preventing ill health before it starts, including breaking down barriers to exercise and getting the nation fitter. 'The NHS Couch to 5K App is a brilliant example of this– it offers exactly what we all need: support, encouragement and a friendly voice cheering you on at every step.' BBC Radio 2 presenter, Jo Whiley, who once disliked running, reflects on how coaching for the Couch to 5K app has been one of the best experiences of her life. Jo Whiley says: 'It's one of the best things I've ever done in my career. 100 per cent.' 'I have been at so many different festivals where such a variety of people of all different shapes and sizes and fitness abilities coming over to me and saying 'Couch to 5K! It's changed my life!' Also set to join Giovanna in upcoming episodes are Dr Punam Krishnan, a GP who shares insight into the health benefits of running, Coronation Street star Colson Smith who talks about how running helped him with weight loss and Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny. With more guests to be announced, Giovanna's podcast brings humour, heart and real talk to support and keep you company on your Couch to 5K journey one step at a time. BBC Sport has long been at the heart of the nation's most iconic sporting moments, from global tournaments to local triumphs. With a huge summer ahead, including the Women's EURO and the Women's Rugby World Cup, The Couch to 5K Podcast reflects BBC Sport's commitment to not just covering sport, but encouraging participation, by making movement feel accessible, inclusive, and something that brings people together. Listen to the first episode of The Couch to 5K Podcast on BBC Sounds, Friday 25 April. Further episodes will be released weekly from 5 May. CF About NHS Couch to 5K NHS Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners. It is based on the plan designed by Josh Clark in 1996, who wanted to help his 50-something mum get off the couch and start running. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks. The idea behind the programme was to gradually build endurance and stamina over the course of several weeks, starting with short intervals of running interspersed with walking.
