Ashburton rehabilitation business founder named among UK’s leading female entrepreneurs

A Dartmoor based cancer rehabilitation specialist has been named as one of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs for 2026.

India Gooderham, founder of Gentle Recovery Ltd in Ashburton, has been recognised as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female business founders as part of Small Business Britain’s national f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign.

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The campaign aims to highlight women who run successful businesses whilst also making a positive impact in their respective communities.

Ms Gooderham founded Gentle Recovery in 2022, and her work focuses on supporting women recovering from breast cancer, offering an online exercise and wellness programme designed to help with both physical and emotional recovery.

The programme has been piloted and evaluated within the NHS, including at the Torbay District General Hospital Breast Care Unit, where it was used by patients at no cost. 

According to organisers, the programme showed positive results in helping women rebuild strength, manage stress and improve quality of life following cancer treatment.

Gentle Recovery offers online sessions including oncology yoga, gentle exercise, relaxation and lymph drainage, alongside education and peer support. 

Ms Gooderham also provides one-to-one coaching, scar tissue therapy, and group cancer yoga classes in Devon. 

ABOVE: Gentle Recovery’s online cancer recovery programme has been piloted and evaluated within the NHS

In addition, she volunteers with the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre in Bristol and works with the London-based Future Dreams breast cancer charity.

Speaking about the recognition, Ms Gooderham said: “I feel really honoured to have been selected for this year’s f:Entrepreneur campaign. 

“Working alone on a start-up business can be a lonely experience, but having this kind of recognition is going to be a huge boost.”

Small Business Britain, which runs the campaign, said the #IAlso100 list showcases women who are driving innovation and supporting others through their work.

Michelle Ovens CBE, founder and chief executive of Small Business Britain, said: “It is brilliant to feature India and her impactful business in this year’s campaign. All of the female entrepreneurs in this year’s line-up are inspirational and remarkable role models.”

The f:Entrepreneur campaign was launched in 2017 to raise awareness of female-led businesses across the UK and to encourage more women to start and grow their own enterprises.

Ms Gooderham’s inclusion places Ashburton and the wider Dartmoor area on a national stage, highlighting the role of small Devon based businesses in health, wellbeing and community support.