Jessica Brown, a mother from Knowle in Solihull, has launched Wild Fox Yoga, combining lakeside yoga sessions with wild swimming, after overcoming breast cancer. The venture, which began in January 2024 at Box Trees Farm & Craft Centre in Hockley Heath, now also includes events at Spot On Wake in Wootton Wawen, featuring yoga, wild swimming, sauna, and ice baths.
From cancer diagnosis to new beginning
When Jessica's children were just three and five years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news turned her world upside down. Feeling at a crossroads, she left her demanding job as a PR director to focus on recovery. She then trained as a yoga instructor, trusting her instincts to create a new path.
"My cancer journey has been life-changing, in many ways I feel very fortunate," said Jessica. "I launched Wild Fox Yoga when I was at a crossroads in life. Following a two-year battle with breast cancer I decided to take a break from a demanding job as a PR director. I could feel instinctively I needed to allow myself time to heal, make peace with everything that happened and spend time with my family."
Building strength through yoga and community
Jessica had practiced yoga since she was 20, but the diagnosis deepened her appreciation for its benefits. "My health became a priority, I needed to rebuild strength after a year of chemotherapy and surgeries. I’ve always had a love of yoga, practicing since I was 20 years old. Although back then I didn’t understand the power of yoga to support wellbeing."
The idea for Wild Fox Yoga emerged during a period when she needed a distraction from work but still wanted to be creative and focused. Since launching, the studio has fostered a supportive community. "The connections, friendships, and shared experiences that have built Wild Fox Yoga have brought more joy than I ever expected. Opening the yoga studio has been the most rewarding journey so far, creating a community of like-minded people. Bringing together people who are looking for something new in their lives, who are also maybe at a crossroads, like I was, looking for something to help them smile, heal, enjoy life and feel connected to others."
Lakeside sessions with wild swimming and ice baths
In addition to the Hockley Heath studio, Jessica runs Sunday morning events at Spot On Wake in Wootton Wawen. The sessions combine a gentle yoga flow on a lakeside decking under a canopy, followed by a wild swim in clear spring-fed water. Guests can also use a sauna or try two ice baths at 11°C and 7°C.
"It's such a peaceful setting, especially in the morning," said Jessica. "A magical Sunday morning in the countryside, surrounded by nature, water and wildlife. We start with a gentle but energising yoga flow session lakeside on the decking under a beautiful canopy. It always feels great in the morning sunshine, with a refreshing breeze from the water. We then head to the lake for a wild swim. It is spring water fed, so the water is lovely and clear."
She added: "These sessions always bring everyone together, people arrive saying they’re 100% not going in the ice bath then surprise themselves by giving it a go as everyone cheers them on! We sit and have a hot drink together afterwards - which is a great way to connect and chat, make new friends and bond over yoga and trying something new. It’s always such a feel good start to a Sunday, big smiles and lots of hugs to end."
Family involvement and future plans
Jessica also hosts Sound Bath events at Hogarths Hotel and other local venues. Her children, Alannah (11) and Barnaby (10), and her husband Jim have been supportive. "My kids love to get involved too, which has been great and unexpected. They are supportive and come to classes and help me prepare for events. In the early days they handed out flyers with me door-to-door. Luckily, my husband Jim has been really supportive too, especially when I’m hosting weekend events. It’s become a family effort, and I’m grateful for all the encouragement and help along the way."
For more information, visit the Wild Fox Yoga website.
