Hope Virgo - Runner, Author & Mental Health Campaigner

Hope Virgo suffered with anorexia for over 4 years, before being admitted to a Mental Health Hospital in 2007. She lived in the hospital for a year, fighting one of the hardest battles of her life. Since being discharged, she has fought to stay well.  Hope has now written about her journey with anorexia, in her book, Stand Tall Little Girl. Hope uses her experiences of mental health illness to champion the rights of others, inspire them to get well, and help break the stigma of mental illness. Hope lives and works in London. In her spare time, she volunteers for refugee charities, and charities that support young and abandoned children. She is a dedicated runner, and has a keen interest in maintaining good mental health through healthy eating and exercise. Show notes Growing up in Bristol Starting to run Developing anorexic   Having something else to think about Being admitted to a mental health hospital at 17 Learning to talk about her feeling Deciding to write about her story Learning to open up and being in a place to share her story. Taking with her mum while out running Her relationship with her mum, why it's had its ups and downs Travelling around South East Asia with her boyfriend Why she had to manage her anorexic every day Her 'friend' - the voice of anorexia How her running developed from the cross country team at school, to running half marathons Doing her first marathon and over training 3.26 marathon… Making sure she has rest days Trying to not get obsessed with weight training The Brighton Marathon What she thinks about while running Negative thoughts in her head while running Where her drive comes from Working with schools talking about mental health Talking about body image and mental health What a typical week looks like Life after a marathon Cycling across Taiwan & staying with local people What she learnt from the experience Being an ambassador for Sure Mind Foundation  Her book  - Stand Tall Little Girl  Twitter @HopeVirgo Facebook @HopeVirgo