The woman who once graced the catwalks of Milan, led ad campaigns for international beauty brands, and won competitions on horseback, now struggles to process speech or even wash her hair.
But despite this, Elizabeth Charleston isn’t giving up.
After a 2005 accident on horseback gave her a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Elizabeth has been unable to return to the modelling and equestrian life that previously were her worlds.
But at the end of last year, something miraculous happened.
In what the former model describes as her “comeback from the dead,” Elizabeth returned to the catwalk on Boxing Day, 2016, winning the Fashion in the Field competition at Ellerslie racecourse, Auckland.
With this win, Elizabeth is automatically entered into the national final, which takes place on Saturday, March 4 in Auckland.
If she wins this round, it means she could represent New Zealand at the Melbourne Cup later this year.
“During the darkness of January and February when I was unwell, this event has been a beacon of light to aim towards and it has kept me alive,” Elizabeth explains.
Despite being struck down with more unusual medical problems in the past year, Elizabeth says she is doing everything she can to stay healthy and determined, hitting the gym each morning to kick-start her neurotransmitters, and taking her medication that is usually prescribed to people with Parkinson’s.
The past few months have been harder still because Elizabeth has been weaning herself off Tramadol and Diazepam, medication that was given to her after a back injury late last year.
Elizabeth at the races on boxing day [Via: Ellerslie racecourse]
“It was harder than I ever thought it’d be. Staying alive was a challenge in itself, and I just had to lock myself away and try to get through it.”
Charleston has been a tireless campaigner around TBIs, after realising just how few people were aware of the devastating and lasting implications they have on sufferers.
“I’ve been pretty open and honest about the effects of my brain injury. People need to be presented with a living example of life with a brain injury so they understand just how serious it is.”
As part of this work, Elizabeth started a global campaign “I’d rather go naked than not wear a helmet,” that actually helped change the legislation of Equestrian Sports New Zealand, who now require riders to wear helmets (and not top hats).
“I’m trying to focus on new beginnings” says Elizabeth, who will move with her partner Fraser Brown to Queenstown this year.
“I’m pretty excited about the future now. I would not have survived without the love and support Fraser has shown me – he deserves a medal – and I can’t wait to have him at my side at the competition.
“Come hell or high water I will be on that catwalk at Ellerslie with a smile on my face because I’m genuinely so happy and excited to be alive and taking part in the big final – even if I need to be on a pair of crutches hooked up to an IV drip!”
