Brooke recently completed the Hawkes Bay Half Marathon - here is her story.
"Supporting Voices of Hope was a no brainer for me. Going through my own journey with my Mental Health and my ED for many years, I tried to reach out for help and it wasn’t there, or my concerns were swept under the rug. I felt unheard and unseen. Over time through the support of my circle around me, I managed to overcome a lot of those challenges and I found so much strength in sharing my story. I no longer see it as a vulnerability but as a way of being empowered by seeing how far I’ve come. It’s taken me a long time but after seeing what Gen and Jazz have created, and the stories I see so many others share- I felt heard, and I felt seen, and that I was no longer fighting these demons on my own. It’s inspired me to share my own truth, and in turn not only has helped me heal a lot of the wounds I carry with me, but I’ve found a network of others who have walked a similar path, and connect with others who thought they were going through it alone.
A half Marathon was something I had never considered my body or my mind would let me do, but knowing I was doing it because of an incredible group of people like the team putting in the Mahi at VOH is what helped me get to that finish line.
I wish something like VOH was around when I was younger, so I knew I wasn’t alone. But I am forever grateful that so many in our community have the access to support like they give every day.
Voices of Hope are the real heroes, and it was a pleasure to run my first Half in honour of the incredible Mahi they do, and continue to do."
We are incredibly proud of Brooke and her strength to overcome challenges and share her story alongside completing her first half marathon.