“Could it have been as simple as you opening up my eyes to my own value, to what I believe in? As simple as you reminding me of the importance of being honest with myself, and of being honest with others. By starting to stand up for myself in very simple areas I soon gathered the courage to challenge myself in everything that I had previously dreaded. Did you simply give me a very well-needed self esteem push, which then made it possible for me to make ‘the right’ and brave choices? I think so. Thank you Gilly. What you gave me was an amazing gift. I am sure there will be many more tough and challenging times in my life, but the trip I’ve done over the past year has been so rewarding, and I’m sure the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me for a long time, allowing me to face challenges also in the future even if I, at that time, am not lucky enough to have a Gilly by my side to help me face the difficulties I’m up against.”
--Special Advisor, DG Agriculture European Commission.