On August 18, the world unites to celebrate ‘Never Give Up Day’, a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and perseverance. This international observance brings together individuals and communities from all corners of the globe to honour the spirit that drives us to overcome challenges and emerge stronger. By sharing stories of defiance and determination, ‘Never Give Up Day’ highlights the collective strength that arises when we stand together.
The true essence of ‘Never Give Up Day’ is best illustrated through the inspiring journeys of Health Shield employees, whose personal stories of resilience serve as a testament to the power of perseverance.
Coping with Fibromyalgia
Vanessa, Company Secretary.
Vanessa faced a life-changing moment in 2017 when she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, her journey through this challenging condition is a testament to her.
Fibromyalgia brought debilitating fatigue, constant aches, and chronic anxiety, eroding Vanessa’s self-confidence to the point where she could barely leave the house. With three children to raise and support, the pressure was immense, but Vanessa refused to let Fibromyalgia dictate her life or become a victim of her circumstances.
Determined to take control, Vanessa embarked on a proactive journey of self-education and lifestyle changes. She read extensively about Fibromyalgia, sought PTSD counselling to manage her anxiety, and embraced mindfulness practices. These steps were crucial in helping her manage her condition and rebuild her self-confidence.
Today, Vanessa manages her Fibromyalgia daily, has overcome much of her anxiety, and continues to work on her self-confidence. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and determination, anyone can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
For those reading her story, Vanessa shares these key takeaways:
A Weight Loss Journey of Determination
Kate, Head of Operations.
Kate embarked on a personal journey of weight loss that exemplifies her unwavering determination and commitment. Starting in early November, Kate set a significant goal for herself: to lose 6 stone by her 40th birthday in October. This ambitious target required not only a clear plan but also the determination to achieve it.
Since beginning her journey, Kate has impressively lost 4.5 stone. Her progress is a reflection of her dedication, hard work, and the ability to stay focused on her goals despite any challenges that come her way.
Kate's journey is not over yet. She continues to work towards reaching her 6 stone milestone, embodying the spirit of perseverance and resilience. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and commitment, significant goals are within reach.
From Injury to Sporting Success
Wil, Digital Marketing Manager.
Wil has a story that exemplifies resilience and the power of overcoming mental barriers. His journey from a debilitating sports injury to regaining his fitness and confidence is a testament to his determination and inner strength.
In his younger years, Wil was quite the athlete, taking up American Football at the age of 15. Unfortunately, during one match, he sustained a severe injury that led doctors to warn him he might never play sports again. The fear of another injury, which could have left him unable to walk, overshadowed his passion for sports. Mentally, he was never the same, and this fear caused him to give up sports entirely through university and into his young adult life.
The pivotal moment came when a friend invited Wil to join a Tough Mudder event. Despite having given up on sports, he decided to give it a try. Although he did some preparatory runs, nothing could fully prepare him for the challenge ahead. While he enjoyed the experience, he was exhausted by the end of the race. This experience sparked a determination in Wil to get fit so he could fully enjoy future Tough Mudder events.
In 2016, Wil "ran" his first park run, clocking in at over 35 minutes. He joined a gym and committed to regaining his fitness. Through persistence and hard work, Wil became stronger and fitter than ever before. His dedication paid off, and he has since competed in numerous races across the world, proving to himself that he could overcome his mental barriers and physical challenges.
Wil Chung's journey from a serious sports injury to becoming a fitness enthusiast is an inspiring tale of resilience and mental fortitude. His story underscores the importance of not letting fear dictate your life and demonstrates that with the right mindset, you can overcome any challenge. Wil's experience serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reclaim your passions and pursue your goals with pure determination.
Continuing On After Significant Loss
Emma, Compliance and Risk Assistant.
Emma’s story epitomises resilience and determination. Her journey through significant personal loss while ambitiously pursuing a law degree showcases her unwavering commitment to achieving her goals.
With 4-year-old twins and a 10-month-old baby, Emma embarked on her law degree. Halfway through her first year, she faced the unexpected loss of her dad, followed by her nan three months later. These profound losses tested her strength, but despite moments of doubt, Emma persevered and graduated with a 2:1 Bachelor of Laws.
During her time at university, Emma’s volunteering efforts led to a permanent position at a Domestic Abuse Charity. However, a year later, the onset of COVID-19 resulted in her redundancy. Despite this setback, Emma remained resilient and continued to seek opportunities to apply her degree skills.
In 2023, Emma joined the Customer Care department at Health Shield, gaining valuable insights into various aspects of the business. Her dedication and hard work paved the way for her current role in the Compliance and Risk function, where she applies her legal knowledge to ensure the organisation’s governance standards are upheld. Emma remains eager to further develop her skills and knowledge within the Governance department.
Emma shares this key lesson: No matter how tough life gets; resilience and determination can lead you to success.
Emma's journey through personal loss and career challenges is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Her story demonstrates that with unwavering commitment and the right mindset, it is possible to overcome life's toughest obstacles and achieve success. Emma’s experience serves as an inspiration, reminding us that perseverance can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
Career Progression
Lucy, Operations Manager.
Lucy has a compelling story of career progression driven by a passion for helping people and determination to succeed. Her journey from Customer Care Officer to Operations Manager showcases her dedication and leadership development.
Before joining Health Shield, Lucy was unsure of the exact direction her career would take, but she knew she wanted to help people. This ambition and drive made her highly motivated for personal success. In 2015, she started her career at Health Shield as a Customer Care Officer, where her passion for delivering excellent customer service quickly became evident.
Motivated by her desire to help others, Lucy's commitment to outstanding customer service led to her promotion to Senior Customer Care Officer. Over the next two years, she gained valuable skills in team support and coaching, all the while keeping her eye on the goal of becoming a Team Leader. By taking on additional responsibilities and developing her leadership skills, Lucy earned an interim Team Leader position, which she then secured permanently in 2018.
As a Team Leader, Lucy's experience in managing a department, processes, and people grew immensely. Over four years, she completed a Team Leader qualification and built relationships with other stakeholders across the business. This period of growth and development further fuelled her ambition to become an Operations Manager.
In 2022, Lucy achieved her goal of becoming an Operations Manager. In this role, she cultivated an even greater passion for success, both for her teams and the business. Her persistence in achieving excellent results has enabled her to reach her personal goals, and she remains committed to continuous improvement and supporting her team's development.
Lucy Thomason's career progression at Health Shield is a testament to her persistence, leadership development, and passion for helping people. Her journey from Customer Care Officer to Operations Manager demonstrates that with determination and a commitment to personal and professional growth, one can achieve remarkable success. Lucy's story serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to pursue their ambitions with unwavering resolve.
Never Give Up:
The stories of Health Shield employees vividly illustrate the significance of Never Give Up Day. These personal journeys of overcoming adversity inspire others to embrace resilience and perseverance in their own lives. By celebrating and sharing these stories, we contribute to a culture of determination and strength. ‘Never Give Up Day’ is not just a celebration, but a powerful call to action encouraging us all to keep fighting, no matter the obstacles we face.