Today We Celebrate Lesley Hughes and Miriam Mulkewich from Fit for Life Physiotherapy
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating women who lead with care, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping their community thrive. Today, we’re proud to recognize Lesley Hughes and Miriam Mulkewich, the women behind Fit for Life Physiotherapy, a trusted and longstanding health service in the heart of Aldershot.
Inspired by Community, Built for Community
For Miriam, opening a clinic in Aldershot was deeply personal. Having grown up in the neighbourhood, she felt a strong connection to the community and a desire to give back in a meaningful way.
Seventeen years ago, Aldershot was underserved when it came to physiotherapy services, and Miriam saw both a need and an opportunity. With continued growth and intensification in the area, the demand for accessible, high-quality physiotherapy remains strong — making Fit for Life Physiotherapy an important resource for residents seeking to move and live well.
Giving Back Through Education and Empowerment
This year’s International Women’s Day is all about support and connection — values that Lesley and Miriam bring into their work every day.
Fit for Life Physiotherapy believes in empowering the community through education. They regularly offer free talks and wellness sessions to local groups, including residents at LaSalle Retirement Residence, helping individuals better understand their bodies, movement, and long-term health.
They also host free webinars for the broader community on a variety of topics, all with the goal of helping people “move well, live well, and be well.”
Beyond clinical care, they have proudly supported Aldershot BIA initiatives, including the Placemaking Project at LaSalle Park, where they sponsored a chair to encourage gathering, connection, and community life in public spaces.
Navigating the Challenges of Business Ownership
While Lesley and Miriam were trained as physiotherapists, they openly share that learning how to run a business was a completely different challenge.
Owning and operating a clinic came with a steep learning curve, especially in the early years. What helped them succeed was surrounding themselves with support — from fellow clinic owners to business coaches and support from the Aldershot BIA.
Their journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not about having all the answers at the start, but about learning, adapting, and building a network along the way.
The Strength of the Aldershot Business Community
Being part of the Aldershot Business Community has been a meaningful source of connection for Fit for Life Physiotherapy.
Lesley and Miriam describe Aldershot as a place where businesses truly support one another. They make an effort to shop local and uplift other entrepreneurs whenever possible, and they value the role the Aldershot BIA plays in fostering collaboration — both through one-on-one support and networking events that bring businesses together.
Advice for Women Starting a Business in Aldershot
Their advice for women considering entrepreneurship in Aldershot is encouraging and grounded:
Aldershot is a wonderful place to start a business because residents genuinely want to support local.
Lesley and Miriam emphasize the importance of building a strong network — people you can share ideas with, troubleshoot challenges alongside, and learn from. Chances are, someone else has faced a similar obstacle and can offer insight, support, or reassurance.
In a community like Aldershot, business success is built not only through services, but through relationships.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Lesley Hughes and Miriam Mulkewich for the care they bring to Aldershot, the education they share, and the supportive community spirit that continues to define Fit for Life Physiotherapy. 💜✨
Lesley Hughes & Miriam Mulkewich
Fit for Life Physiotherapy
18 Plains Road W, Unit 4
📍 💜 Aldershot
