Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in rural Australia, Ruth spent her childhood exploring creeks, drinking fresh milk, and roaming the paddocks with my siblings. Life was simple, honest, and deeply connected to the land and community.

She developed a passion for water early, competing in state-level swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and lifesaving, and became the first female Beach Inspector in New South Wales. Since then, she has run swim schools and trained many aquatic professionals.

Her love for water evolved into a meaningful career as a Specialised Aquatic Therapist and Mentor. She now focuses on helping children with additional needs using the unique properties of water. Aquatic therapy supports children’s development in self-regulation, coordination, confidence and more. It reduces anxiety and sensory challenges, and helps families feel more connected and confident.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

Adrian “Moose” Skeggs was born and raised on Lord Howe Island, a small, close-knit place he calls absolutely idyllic and full of daily adventures and learning. Adrian faced a tough start. His mother was bedridden for years, and he often pushed boundaries, seeking attention and connection from his community.

Despite childhood challenges and going off the rails, Adrian’s community stepped in, sponsoring him to attend boarding school after recognizing both his struggles and his potential. At boarding school, discipline and routine helped Adrian settle. He quickly stood out in sports, playing cricket and joining the rugby team where he found new purpose and belonging.

Rugby became central to Adrian’s life. He moved to Sydney, joined the Warringah Club, and worked hard to eventually play for New South Wales, Queensland, and represented Australia internationally. After rugby, Adrian faced the challenge of finding his true place beyond the game. He moved into teaching, coaching, and using his connections to help others, giving back wherever possible.

When Adrian moved back to Lord Howe Island with his family, he focuses on community, volunteering at the school and encouraging young people to embrace legacy, make good choices, and help each other.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This episode of Kintsugi Heroes was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Danni started her working life as a police officer where she saw death early but rarely spoke about it and learned firsthand about the challenges of facing mortality. Danni also dealt with the deaths of several family members and often became the person responsible for bringing people together and supporting her family through loss.

She experienced strong death anxiety and struggled with her own fears about dying, often avoiding serious conversations about mortality until confronted by personal loss and deep grief.

After caring for her younger brother through illness and death, she trained as an End-of-Life Doula at the Australian Doula College volunteers at Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice. She is a volunteer for the Dying with Dignity NSW Witness Program.

Danni does not flinch at death, soften it with euphemism, or shrink from its presence. She has the steady grace of someone who knows that to live well, we must also learn to die well as it is part of our shared human story, and deserves to be told with honesty, tenderness, and a little humour.

Her former impressive and diverse career led to the meaningful work she does now as a Death and Mortality Doula and Educator. She brings her dedication to managing the national campaign Dying to Know Day.

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/liminalbeing

https://www.instagram.com/liminalbeing__

https://www.instagram.com/d2kday

https://liminalbeing.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liminalbeing

https://www.dyingtoknowday.com

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie