There are many Exceptional Survivors around the world, and Hope in the Heart is proud to know a number of these. There are also many in our own country, most of whom live lives of relative anonymity, using their experiences every day to create richer futures for themselves and others. Some better-known British Exceptional Survivors, whose names have come up during workshops when I have asked participants who most inspires them, are featured below. We applaud and thank them for the examples they set and the valuable work they do. If you would like to see a particular Exceptional Survivor featured on this site, please get in touch here
Katie Piper
Katie Piper is a best-selling international author, inspirational speaker, TV presenter and charity campaigner. She is also a young woman who has rebuilt her life after surviving a brutal attack in March 2008 at the age of 24, in which she was raped and had sulphuric acid thrown in her face. Prior to the attack, Katie was a model and budding TV presenter. Like many, she believed her life was over now that she was a ‘burns victim’. In 2009 she went on to set up her own charity The Katie Piper Foundation. The charity’s vision is a world where scars do not limit a person’s function, social inclusion or sense of well-being. Katie has been described as an inspirational role model, and her bravery and determination have been recognised by her being nominated for and receiving a number of awards. (From The Katie Piper Foundation Website. Full story and more information here)
Everjoice Makuve, Raised as an orphan in Zimbabwe, Everjoice Makuve, a social worker, moved to the UK in 2002. In the UK, she pioneered a development enterprise to combat the root causes of social deprivation and poverty. WORD provides support and education to Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BME) communities in the UK, and to women and children internationally. The charity now operates in 16 countries 14 across sub-Saharan Africa and India, as well as continuing its work in the UK. To learn more, visit Widows, Widowers and Orphans Relief and Development Trust International (WORD) From Positive News http://positivenews.org.uk/2013/community/14140/inspiring-immigrants-africans-making-impact/
Jo Berry and Pat McGee
Jo Berry and Pat McGee
Jo Berry was 27 when her father was murdered, a victim of The Brighton Bombing in 1984, Today, Jo works internationally through a charity which she founded, "Building Bridges for Peace". Building Bridges advances conflict transformation by enabling those involved in hostilities to break the cycle of violence and revenge by appreciating the humanity of their opponents and the power of empathy. Jo works alongside Dr. Pat McGee, the man who planted the bomb that killed her father, and subsequently served 14 years in prison. Jo sought to meet Pat, and the two conversed extensively about Pat's action and how it impacted on Jo and her family. Both came to a greater understanding and place of reconciliation as a result. The following, from Jo, is taken from the Building Bridges for Peace website (http://www.buildingbridgesforpeace.org/about-building-bridges-for-peace/jo-berry-founder/) where you can read the full story and learn more about their inspiring work. "On October 12th 1984 my father, Sir Anthony Berry and 4 others were killed in the bombing of the Grand Hotel, Brighton as they attended the Conservative Party Conference. I made a personal decision just two days later, to bring something positive out of this emotionally shattering trauma and to try and understand those who had killed him. I chose to give up blame and revenge, instead taking responsibility for my pain and feelings, transforming them into passion for peace. The journey of healing began with my intention and I trusted that life would then bring me the opportunities to heal and grow."