When it comes to causes close to her heart, Olympic medallist Brooke Hanson doesn’t hesitate to dive in and use her profile to make a difference.
The popular motivational speaker, health coach and mother of three, who won gold and silver in the pool at the Athens Olympics, is a key ambassador for this year’s Healthy Harold Hundred campaign and says the anti-bullying cause resonates strongly.
“There is no place in life for bullying or violence, so that’s why I’m taking the challenge, along with my family, to support an incredible cause,” Brooke said.
“As a mother, and through my energy health workshops, I see the strain that added screen time and cyberbullying have placed on the mental health of many Australians.
“I’m a big believer in disconnecting to reconnect by putting self-care and self-worth first, to find balance and avoid burnout.”
Getting the family on the starting blocks
All money raised by the Healthy Harold Hundred will help Life Ed deliver bullying prevention education through its variety of programs which teach children important life skills including respect, empathy, resilience and healthy relationships.
Brooke says her whole family will get behind the challenge with husband Jared and children Cooper 12, Billy, 8, and Matilda, 6, joining forces to complete an impressive 300-kilometre distance in the month of June.
“Diversity is our key to getting moving and achieving goals, so as a family we are pledging to do 300km. We will swim, run, bike ride, scoot, skateboard, paddle board, kayak and walk, but most importantly, raise awareness to break the cycle of bullying and violence in Queensland,” Brooke said.
Raising money for respectful relationships
Life Ed Queensland CEO Michael Fawsitt said it was wonderful to have Brooke’s support and thanked the sporting champ for joining the hundreds of Queenslanders who have registered to spotlight the bullying issue.
“Bullying affects one in four school children, and we know that victims of bullying, violence and abuse are impacted physically, socially and emotionally. It can destroy a young person’s confidence and self-esteem and their desire to learn and go to school,” Mr Fawsitt said.
“Children who are bullied are three times more likely to experience depression and there’s link between bullying others at school and aggressive behaviour as adults.
“It’s so important that we educate children from an early age so that we can start working with them to build awareness about the various forms of bullying, how to stay safe online and seek help, and strategies to build positive relationships with peers in person and online.”
Will you help us reach our target of 2000 Healthy Harold Hundred participants in 2022?
Registration is free and there are great prizes for entrants who meet fundraising targets.
Sign up or make a donation to help put an end to bullying.
