E tūtaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi, kei runga, kei runga te Mangoroa e kōpae pū ana | The clouds in the sky close over, but above them spreads the milky way

PADA is so privileged to have wonderful supporters who are so committed to our mahi that they undertake fundraising events to benefit families and whānau in our communities during their pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting journey.

Mum of two, Joelle Legg is taking part in an eight week challenge called Fit to Fight with Boxing Alley in Auckland, and set up a Givealittle page; Oh Mumma, you can…

Joelle Legg with her two beautiful boys, Rocco (6) and Brax (4).

Fit to Fight is an opportunity for everyday kiwis to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves both physically and mentally all while raising money for a charity of their choice, many who do so have a strong WHY behind them in doing this event.

So many charities will benefit from this fundraiser, so thank you Joelle for including PADA as one of them. So why is Joelle giving so generously? Read her story below!

What’s involved: Currently all participants are in team training camp; learning and supporting one another over the eight weeks to prepare for a body spar only fight night on Saturday 1st October. Each participant has the opportunity to fight for a charity of their choice and fundraise along the way. These events have raised over $120,000 for charity in NZ. And provide a huge sense of pride, achievement, physical and mental strength for those participating.

Joelle Legg Family Boxing Alley FundraisingJoelle Legg with her whānau at Boxing Alley – raising money for their chosen charities

Joelle says she would love PADA to be my charity of choice.

“My husband, Mike, and I own and run Boxing Alley. While I manage so much of our business, and have been involved in class work, actually stepping into the ring is something I have never done nor is something I am naturally drawn to do until now. My reason for doing this is to use the strength (mentally and physically) I have worked hard to develop to challenge myself and to inspire others. I am a Mum of two beautiful boys, Rocco 6 and Brax 4. I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression with Rocco and Prenatal Anxiety before Brax was born. To have been where I was feeling such an incredible burden on my family (especially with a very supportive one and no great reason for hardship) and through what I have in the past 6 years and to be where I am now is something I am incredibly proud of and the beliefs I now have around this have all changed.”

Joelle is also a holistic health coach (find her here on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok) and now uses many of the tools she has learnt along with her ongoing study to support many women (mostly mums) who come to her to improve their relationship with nutrition, to also support their mental health too because it’s so so important!

“I am so very fortunate to have an incredible husband who understands mental health and its challenges and a beautiful family who, while some are still learning about the mental health space, are full of love for me. I have worked very hard to get to where I am, and I know not everyone has the support I do or funds to access the help that I have.”

From Joelle’s Givealittle Page:

“With a supportive family, safe home, my incredible husband and my brand new precious baby boy I was living my dream – except I wasn’t. I was 1 of the 15% of women who have experienced Postnatal Depression and Anxiety after the birth of my gorgeous first born son, and before my beautiful second born. To feel like you didn’t want to be here, yet have everything you could have ever wanted, is one of the most devastating feelings in the world. A time which was incredibly hard – not just for me, but for my family.

It’s not a matter of just being grateful and get on with it (something I’m hopeful many New Zealanders are learning more about), there is help and Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) are one beautiful charity to offer that support, to educate and resource others. It’s a challenging time bringing another human into the world and to be living with depression and/or anxiety adds even more.

I am now incredibly healthy and absolutely thriving – this fight is to push me outside of that comfort zone. To remind myself how powerful and strong I am as a woman and remind YOU that you are too!

My inspiration is to offer other women who may be where I was that there is hope, that they can get well, they can thrive, and to raise funds for PADA ensuring the education, resources and support to other women is easily accessible.”

We would so appreciate your support of Joelle and her incredible generosity!

Go to Givealittle now to show your support