Grissel Horgan

Written by Grissel Horgan

Published: 02 Sep 2024

20-facts-about-meg-mathews
Source: Theguardian.com

Who is Meg Mathews? Meg Mathews is a dynamic figure known for her contributions to music, fashion, and health advocacy. Born in Guernsey and raised in Suffolk, her early life was marked by resilience and adventure. She moved to South Africa at nine, experiencing apartheid firsthand. Later, she found herself in London, living in a Brixton squat during the 1980s. Her career took off in fashion PR before she became involved with the music industry, notably through her marriage to Noel Gallagher of Oasis. Today, Meg is a leading advocate for menopause awareness, having launched MegsMenopause to support women through this life stage.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Childhood

Meg Mathews' life began on a small island with a rich history and a unique environment. Her early years were filled with experiences that shaped her resilience and sense of wonder.

  1. Meg Mathews was born in Guernsey, a former Nazi-occupied island. Her early memories include the sea crashing over the sea wall and covering the car on her way to school.

  2. At the age of nine, Meg's family moved to South Africa, where she experienced the harsh realities of apartheid. The family's maid, Princess, was not allowed to use their toilet under apartheid laws, but Meg's family defied these rules, leading to a confrontation with the secret police and their bloodhounds.

London Adventures and Music Industry

Meg's move to London marked the beginning of her adventures in the music industry and her encounters with iconic figures.

  1. Meg recalls living in a squat in Brixton during the early 1980s, a time of great social change and the beginning of a new era of style and glamour.

  2. Her entry into the music industry was significant. She first met Noel Gallagher in London in 1994, when he was still with his band Oasis. Her flatmate was dating Noel at the time, making their relationship complicated.

  3. Meg's experiences with the Gallagher brothers were not without their challenges. She recalls the squabbles and moodiness of Liam and Noel, noting that the only way to guarantee their happiness was to get their mother, Peggy, involved.

Oasis Knebworth Concerts and Personal Life

The Oasis Knebworth concerts were a highlight in Meg's life, marking a significant moment in British music history.

  1. One of the highlights of Meg's life was the Oasis Knebworth concerts. During one of these concerts, Noel went missing, causing concern among the group. However, he later returned with a Cartier watch inscribed "Forever and a day" for Meg, which she has kept for her daughter, Anais.

  2. Meg named her daughter Anais after the writer Anais Nin, who was known for her adventurous and liberated lifestyle in Paris during the 1920s. This choice reflects Meg's own adventurous spirit and her desire to honor a woman who lived life on her own terms.

  3. Meg's marriage to Noel Gallagher was a significant part of her life, but it also ended in divorce. She has been open about the challenges she faced during their relationship and the impact it had on her mental health. Despite this, she remains close to Noel and acknowledges that their relationship was a defining period in her life.

Career in Fashion PR and Menopause Advocacy

Before her marriage to Noel, Meg had a successful career in fashion PR. Her journey into menopause advocacy began with her own experiences.

  1. Before her marriage to Noel, Meg had a successful career in fashion PR. She began at a Joseph branch and quickly rose to manage her own fashion PR company, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

  2. Meg's journey into menopause advocacy began when she first experienced perimenopausal symptoms around the age of 39. However, it was when she turned 50 that she faced a "tsunami of symptoms," including social anxiety, exhaustion, and vaginal dryness. This experience led her to launch MegsMenopause, a range of intimate beauty products designed to address the unique needs of women going through menopause.

Menopause Symptoms and Product Line

Meg has been vocal about the various symptoms she experienced during menopause and has created a product line to help other women.

  1. Meg has been vocal about the various symptoms she experienced during menopause. These included hot flushes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and a lack of libido. She has emphasized the importance of open conversations about menopause and the need for women to have a community to lean on during this phase of life.

  2. MegsMenopause includes a range of products such as Meno Blend, a vitamin, mineral, and superfood supplement; two lubricants; an intimate wash; a cooling face spray; and a hyaluronic acid serum. These products are designed to be unassuming and non-embarrassing, making them accessible for women to use discreetly.

Book and Osteoporosis Diagnosis

Meg's book and her diagnosis of osteoporosis have further fueled her advocacy work.

  1. Meg has written a book titled The New Hot, which explores her experiences with menopause and offers advice on topics such as sexuality, self-care, and open conversations about menopause. The book aims to empower women by providing a readable and informative guide through this phase of life.

  2. In 2018, Meg was diagnosed with osteoporosis after breaking her wrist. This diagnosis led her to focus on bone health and the importance of regular Dexa scans to measure bone mineral density. She has emphasized the need for women to take control of their bone health, especially during menopause when oestrogen levels drop, leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis.

Exercise, Diet, and Public Speaking

Meg emphasizes the importance of exercise and diet in managing osteoporosis and is an active public speaker.

  1. Meg has highlighted the importance of exercise and diet in managing osteoporosis. She recommends activities like Pilates, walking, dancing, and gardening to keep bones healthy. Additionally, she stresses the need for a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health.

  2. Meg is an active public speaker and campaigner for menopause awareness. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the menopause and its impact on women's lives. Her advocacy work has been instrumental in breaking the silence surrounding this natural phase of life.

Community Building and Educational Initiatives

Meg has built a community around menopause awareness and has been instrumental in educational initiatives.

  1. Meg has built a community around menopause awareness through her website and app, MegsMenopause. This resource has helped thousands of women navigate the menopause phase with support and information. The community aspect is crucial, as many women feel isolated during this time.

  2. Meg has been instrumental in ensuring that menopause education becomes a part of the curriculum. As of September 2020, the menopause will be taught in secondary schools, aiming to empower future generations with knowledge about this inevitable life transition.

Media Appearances and Personal Growth

Meg's media appearances and personal growth have furthered her impact and advocacy.

  1. Meg has appeared in various media outlets, including The Guardian, The Evening Standard, and The Telegraph. Her candid discussions about menopause have helped demystify the subject and reduce stigma around it.

  2. Throughout her journey, Meg has demonstrated remarkable resilience and personal growth. From her early days as a fashion PR executive to her current role as a menopause advocate, she has consistently shown a willingness to confront challenges head-on and use her experiences to help others. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of embracing life's complexities with courage and determination.

Meg Mathews: A Life of Resilience and Advocacy

Meg Mathews' journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and advocacy. From her early days in Guernsey to her impactful work in menopause awareness, she's navigated life's ups and downs with grace. Her experiences in the music industry, particularly with Oasis, and her career in fashion PR, showcase her versatility. However, it's her dedication to menopause advocacy that truly stands out. Through MegsMenopause, her book The New Hot, and public speaking, she's broken the silence around menopause, offering support and resources to countless women. Her personal struggles, including her osteoporosis diagnosis, have only fueled her commitment to helping others. Meg's story is one of empowerment, showing that with determination and a willingness to share one's journey, it's possible to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

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