Show Notes
Most of you will know her as Sarah Burke, now Sarah O’Connor after marrying the love of her life, Keith. Her road to happiness was anything but simple.
In this episode, Sarah opens up about calling off her wedding six weeks before the date, going through IVF, and experiencing a devastating miscarriage. She also talks about the horrific trolling she faced and, for the first time, reads the threatening letter that was sent to her sister’s salon.
Sarah reflects on her mental health journey, counselling, grief after losing Nana Betty, and the fear that came with her father Kieran’s end of life heart failure diagnosis. Today, she is happily married and a mum to three beautiful children, including her miracle babies Isabella and Gabbie.
This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. If you’re seeking an ADHD assessment or support, visit adhdnow.com today.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] – Introduction & first meeting Sarah on 96 FM [00:01:40] – Weight loss journey & "Fat to Fab" Facebook page in Australia [00:05:13] – How social media culture around weight has changed [00:05:59] – Growing up on Cork's North side [00:08:01] – Moving to Australia & ending long-term relationship [00:10:49] – Learning self-worth through therapy [00:13:27] – Falling pregnant with Luke & starting Slimming World business [00:14:11] – Calling off wedding 6 weeks before the date [00:17:54] – Meeting Keith on Tinder during lockdown [00:21:52] – Online trolling & forum posts nearly ending relationship [00:26:36] – Starting IVF journey for second child [00:29:17] – Discovering miscarriage at 14-week scan [00:30:48] – Losing baby Jack & burying him at Nanny Betty's grave [00:35:10] – Dealing with cruel comments about miscarriage [00:37:50] – D&C procedure leading to miracle pregnancy with Isabella [00:41:22] – Pregnancy news leaked before telling family [00:44:51] – Nanny Betty's final days in Marymount hospice [00:49:29] – Getting married in Lanzarote with 101 guests [00:51:10] – Receiving threatening letter 8 weeks before wedding [00:59:45] – How Keith dealt with the harassment [01:02:46] – Why giving up isn't an option (for the kids) [01:03:21] – Surprise pregnancy with Gabby [01:06:47] – Dad's cancer diagnosis & heart failure [01:11:30] – Living with dad's end-of-life prognosis [01:13:24] – Final reflections on happiness & self-worth
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