Fleur Churchill - In my early 20s, whilst studying for my finals, I was fortunate enough to have a friend training to be a reflexologist; during this stressful time, I found that regular sessions really helped me to relax and focus and so began more than a decade of using various therapies at times of need, and a passion for natural health. I am a dedicated natural horsemanship student and value the connections that we as humans can make with the animals around us.  When a family member requested a green burial, I was frustrated by the lack of a central point of information for people interested in a natural approach to living in the modern world; the site to me is a philosophy, a way of life. Information was out there, but very fragmented with lots of directories that failed to deliver quality content in a coherent fashion. A "natural lifestyle" is no longer an "alternative", and we strive to make valuable information accessible to people from all walks of life. Natural and complementary health is being undermined by the powerful drug companies, and we work hard to highlight this important area.  I am constantly shocked by the wasteful world we live in, and firmly believe that we can all play a part in raising awareness of a way of living that respects and protects the world.

 

I have a varied background in business, marketing and multi-media with extensive internet experience. Working closely with a nutrition company was an important part of the puzzle, but little did I know that these paths would all eventually lead here! After much research, and a lengthy design and testing phase working closely with a web agency in Devon, (who continue to provide us with essential support), the site went live on the 10th May 2005 and we began marketing a week later.  A year on, and in the most positive way imaginable, Natural Matters has taken over my life! "To love what you do and feel that it matters - could anything be better?"

 

Rachel Bertram - I trained and worked as an English teacher in the Midlands before returning home to the Westcountry. Since having my daughter who is now 2, and with another child on the way, I have adapted my way of living to incoporate a chemical free lifestyle, we all eat organic, and treat ailments with naturopathy and homeopathy, this has kept her safe and well, and to date, she has never needed to visit a GP.   I have belief in the knowledge that I am doing the right thing for me and my family and I have never looked back.

 

Alan Andrews - my interest in natural health and nutrition extends over 30 years, for around 3 years, I have eaten a largely raw food diet, with sometimes one cooked meal in a day. I live my life as naturally as possible and would encourage the whole world to be more natural.  I never take prescribed medications and firmly believe that vaccinations do more harm than good. I have used Chinese Herbalism with great success in treating chronic Psoriasis and also use a cranial osteopath on occasion.