Posted by Sue Leonard on Saturday 5th March 2016
Andrea always loved performing. She left college early to work in Windmill Lane. From there she went to TV3, working in Continuity before becoming a presenter. She also worked as a hostess in Lillie’s Bordello.
Throughout this time, suffering excruciating chronic pain, Andrea was searching for answers. After 20 years, she finally gained a diagnosis, but had to learn that the pain would never be fully relieved.
Andrea went on to present Animal A & E and Dublin Airport; Life stories, both for TV3.
“The day I was told I would never be free of pain I wrote an article for Woman’s Way magazine. There was an amazing response. And in 2013, taking three months off work to get my life on track, I wrote every day. Then I got my publishing deal.”
Who is Andrea Hayes
Date of birth: 27th May, 1978, in Dublin.
Education: St Mary’s Holy Faith in Killester. “I loved it I was a real joiner. I was the head girl.” DIT: Business studies but deferred after a year. Rathmines College: TV Studies.
Home: Rathmichael.
Family: Husband David. “We met when I was 19, so he has been through my ups and downs.” Daughter, Brooke, 4, and Labrador Retriever, Dash.
The Day Job: Freelance TV and Radio Presenter, and writer.
“I have a show on Sunshine radio called, Sunshine Meets.”
Interests: “I’m on the board of Chronic pain Ireland. I’m passionate about my involvement, and about animal health, and my family. I love walking my dog.”
Favourite Writers: Elizabeth Gilbert; Patricia Scanlon; Claudia Carroll; Hazel Gaynor.
Second Book: “I hope there will be one, as I enjoy the process of writing. I’d like to write more about wellness and the body mind approach.”
Top Tip: “Be grateful and try to tell yourself, all is well.”
Web: AndreaHayes.ie Twitter: @AndreaHayesie
The Debut: Pain-Free Life. My Journey to Wellness: Mercier Press: €14.99. Kindle: €10.89
This memoir charts Andrea’s life and career, focusing on the pain that has dogged her since childhood. It includes a step by step pain management programme which she developed herself.
“I hope this book is welcomed, and that it helps people. I wrote the book I needed to read, but couldn’t find.”
The Verdict: An honest emotional account; ultimately inspiring.
Published in the Irish Examiner on March 5th.
© Sue Leonard. 2016