Horsham mum who survived armed robbery takes on Mental Health Awareness Week challenge

Tracey Grabowski started her week-long ‘New Me Challenge’ on Monday, May 18, as a way to motivate herself and raise awareness while also helping others.

The 55-year-old hopes to raise £200 for the Mental Health Foundation by the end of the challenge on Monday, May 25.

She said: “I feel I have come a long way from the lost and troubled person I once was.

“Before the robbery I was very active and took part in marathons back home in South Africa. I lost interest in everything including my social life. It took all my self esteem and confidence away.

“I had to fight with myself to get better and stay strong for my husband and children. I got into volunteering to help others. By doing this I began to heal and help myself.

“I saw that there were many people who were worse of than me. So I chose to fight with myself and take back control of my life.”

Tracey, who moved to Horsham in 2007, is tracking her progess during the fundraiser using the Strava app and walks around various areasacross the town.

As well as fundraising, Tracey also uses her online blog to help her work through her pain and says she is inspired by Mother Theresa and Princess Diana and their contibution and work for sick and vulnerable people around the world.

She said: I started blogging as a way to release my pain, I didn’t realise it would receive so much attention.

“I got back into paid work and have been very well for the last five years. No setbacks, no depression or flashbacks. I feel blessed to be alive and thankful I can help others in my work as a health care worker.

“I want to help by spreading the word that mental health is just as important as physical health.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tracey-grabowski1

To see Tracey’s blog, visit https://www.benny2211.co.uk/445806919

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