THREE years on from an incident that nearly took her life, domestic violence victim Simone O'Brien is flying the flag for women everywhere.
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Mrs O’Brien was attacked by a former partner in Brisbane nearly three years ago, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
Now, she is preparing to tackle Sunday’s 10-kilometre Bridge to Brisbane run.
It is a step in her recovery she is both excited about and proud of.
“It’s something that I did prior to the incident that happened to me,” she said.
“I won’t be running the entire 10 kilometres but I will be running at least one kilometre. My goal is to cross the finish line.
“Hearing that at least one or two people every week are being killed by domestic violence, I’m just trying to inspire people to not give up.
“I could’ve given up two years ago and not fought but you’ve just got to keep pushing forward.”
Mrs O’Brien aimed to raise $700 for her White Ribbon cause but has already brought in more than $4000.
“It’s an inspiration. I wouldn’t know 25 to 30 per cent of those who have jumped on board,” she said.
Mrs O’Brien travels to Brisbane every two to three weeks to receive treatment, but she says this weekend’s milestone is significant for her and all women.
“I’m not finished my treatment yet but this is a hurdle for me to continue to go in the right direction and to yell out to women and to say to keep positive, keep going in that direction and achieve your goals” she said.
There will be plenty of emotion on Sunday when she achieves her goal.
“I know I’m going to have an adrenaline rush when I go over that finish line. It’s going to be amazing.”
