Sharon Rooney Instagram – Dear Jodie, I hope you don’t mind me writing this on such a public space but I just want to say that I am so incredibly proud of you. Today on #WorldMentalHealthDay and everyday. You have taken my breath away with your fight and your bravery. When you made the YouTube video about your Eating Disorder and what you had been going through for all that time, you made not only a massive breakthrough to the people who watch and support you but to YOURSELF. You done something so scary, you opened up and shared your feelings and fight at a very hard and vulnerable time and you showed the demon your strength. YOU SHOWED IT. You took the power back. You didn’t have to be afraid. You didn’t have to keep secrets. You didn’t have to be ashamed. Being unwell is NOTHING to be ashamed of. Getting help is NOTHING to be ashamed of. I remember when you told me you wanted to be open about it, you wanted to help people not be afraid to speak out, show people they weren’t alone. I remember how passionately you spoke, it was the first time in a while I’d heard that fire and that spark of the Jodie I knew. That courage to do something so difficult for you in the hope and sureness it would make a difference. I’d missed her. It made a difference Jodie. It really did. Btw I hate the demon: I hate it. I think it’s an absolute fucker. It took the light out of your eyes and made you believe it’s lies. It is an ARSE! But I love you. So many of us love you. So you keep fighting Jodes, cause we will be there – any place and any time. There is no magic cure. There is no quick fix. But we aren’t going anywhere. You are stronger than anyone will ever know. You are a headstrong, talented and remarkable young lady with the brightest future ahead. You are stubborn, oh so stubborn, but you are loyal and fiercely protective of your friends and family. Your smile lights up the room and you are so very loved. It’s an honour and a privilege to call you my friend, my sister and my hero. Keep walking through the forest, it’ll get dark and scary sometimes but you just have to keep walking. New York awaits. The stage awaits. Your FUTURE awaits! It won’t always be as hard as it is now 💖 Love, Shaz x