Biography
Biography: Hope Virgo
Abstract
For four years, author managed to keep it hidden, keeping dark secrets from friends and family. But then, 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 recognizable. 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. She will share her harrowing but inspiring story giving you an understanding of how she went from being in the grips of anorexia to gaining back control. She will tell 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 not only inspire countless others and give everyone hope that recovery is possible but it will help break mental health stigma further. She will offer insight into how we can improve the lives for people with eating disorders and other mental health problems. She will share her thoughts on the journey to diagnosis and what we can do practically as individuals and organizationally to support those suffering with eating disorders.