That girl was on a rocket ship to the moon ─ Nelly Thomas' eulogy for Stella Young, Melbourne Town Hall, 2014

Stella Young was just 32 when she died suddenly in December 2014. She was just winning fame as a comedian (Best newcomer, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2014) and her TED talk from June of that year was a smash. That talk about the objectification of people with disabilities as 'inspiration porn' has now been viewed over 4 million times. Her memorial at Melbourne Town Hall was an amazing event, attended by many in the intersecting worlds of comedy, media and disability. Stella's great friend Nelly Thomas delivered one of the eulogies, and it was funny and uplifting, and reminded everyone of the scale of the loss. 'That girl was on a rocket ship to the moon' is one of Nelly's beautiful closing lines.  Nelly Thomas is a writer and comedian, and you can book her as MC or purchase one of her excellent 'Some' books here.  If you'd like to donate to support Speakola in both its website and podcast form, Tony would appreciate any help in these covid times!  Tony's books are available online and at his website. Send an email to swap details for signed copies. Episode supported by GreenSkin™ and PurpleSkin™ avocados at https://greenskinavocados.com.au/ I'm also looking for another sponsor for 2021. Contact me if keen [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast, visit Speakola,  and share any great speeches that are special to you, famous or otherwise. I just need transcript & photo /video embed. Speakola also has Twitter and Facebook feeds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.