When Chartered Accountant Jocelyn Clarke underwent a hysterectomy in 2023, she found herself unexpectedly adrift. “Just at a time when I most needed clear guidance and support, I found myself having to rely on Dr Google and various Facebook groups of thousands of people just like me searching for answers and reassurance,” she says.

That experience sparked the idea for HYSTRI - an app designed to support women and others undergoing hysterectomy, from the first consideration of surgery through to full recovery. “Every year around 55,000 people in the UK undergo this major operation, yet my research shows that the support available both before and after surgery is fragmented and inconsistent,” Jocelyn explains. “People are frequently left feeling powerless, anxious, and alone, while their health outcomes are put at risk.”

Jocelyn’s mission is to change the status quo with HYSTRI, creating “a platform dedicated to guiding people from first consideration of surgery through to full recovery,” she says. The app will bring together trusted UK-specific clinical information, real-life shared experiences, practical recovery tips, and a data-driven recovery tracker. “Nothing else brings all this together in one empowering, easy-to-use resource,” she adds.

Experience, hurdles and mindset

Jocelyn’s career has given her a solid foundation for the challenges of entrepreneurship. “I’m a chartered accountant by profession, and I’ve spent my career working with SMEs,” she explains. “For the last decade I’ve predominantly worked as a fractional CFO across a variety of sectors, but with particular specialism within software.”

That combination of financial insight and tech sector experience has proved invaluable as she navigates the early stages of developing HYSTRI - which haven’t been straightforward. “I’m still at the idea stage,” Jocelyn explains, “and the biggest challenge so far has been getting to speak to the right people. In fact, it has really surprised me how difficult this has been!”

Yet, like many founders, she’s learning to manage the emotional rollercoaster that comes with building something new. “A positive mindset is crucial,” Jocelyn reflects. “I find myself one day waking up excited and raring to go, then the next full of anxiety and doubts, but nothing has changed beyond my outlook.”

Finding community in the Cooper Project

To help her turn her idea into a viable business, Jocelyn has joined us on the Cooper Project. “I joined in order to network with fellow founders and useful contacts within the startup world in Sheffield,” she says. “I’m hoping to gain support and connections, and confidence that all necessary considerations have been made before each key step.”

That sense of community is already proving valuable and something Jocelyn recommends to other early-stage founders. “Reach out to people and build a network,” she says. “I’ve been so happy to discover how supportive the community is!”

Looking ahead

The next few months will see Jocelyn focus on developing HYSTRI’s minimum viable product (MVP), paving the way for a full UK launch, and eventually, international expansion. “My long-term vision is to take HYSTRI to the US, Canada and Australia,” she says.

For now, she’s combining her professional expertise, personal experience, and growing founder network to bring a much-needed solution to women’s health - and we’re thrilled to have her doing it with us on the Cooper Project.