My guest today was Hope Virgo. She is an author, public speaker and campaigner for mental health. What led her to this path was a battle she fought for over four years
A dark secret she managed to keep hidden from friends and family but this all came to an abrupt halt when on 17th November 2007, her world changed forever.
She was admitted to a mental health hospital. Her skin was yellowing, her heart was failing. She was barely recognisable. Forced to leave her family and friends, the hospital became her home. Over the next year, at her lowest ebb, she faced the biggest challenge of her life. She had to find the courage to beat her anorexia.
Since being discharged, she has fought to stay well. She now wants to use her experiences of mental illness to champion the rights of others, inspire them to get well, and help break the stigma of mental illness.
In her book… titled ‘Stand Tall Little Girl’ she shares her harrowing, yet truly inspiring, journey. Through her letters and diary entries, her story tells us how she fought from rock bottom to beat the ‘friend’ that had controlled and nearly destroyed her life. The story of her recovery will inspire many.