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You can measure Nedd Brockmann’s success in any number of ways: in kilometres run, in millions of dollars raised to tackle homelessness, in gallons of his beloved choccy milk. But in our uplifting cover story, this unstoppable runner reveals how he sees himself and his astounding athletic achievements – like running from Cottesloe to Bondi, or smashing 50 marathons in 50 days! “I can’t stand that a group of people are looked past,” Brockmann says of the motivation behind his monster marathons. “No-one wants to be homeless, no-one chooses to be on the street.”
I grew up in Hoxton Park, out past Liverpool. Back then, it was more like living in the country than in Sydney. We had a farm with a hay shed. We had cows, geese and chooks. My mum and dad were great; they really took care of us. They taught me: don’t eat fatty foods;…
Read MoreI was born in Melbourne. Mum had rubella in the second month of pregnancy, and they weren’t too sure how I was going to come out. I just happened to be a miracle baby. I was born with no vision in the left eye, and six per cent vision in my right eye. I’m just…
Read MoreI came into the world in 1957, in Young, New South Wales. I was the second born, and the black sheep of the family. I was always into mischief – wagging school, playing up. We moved to Forbes, and I got a job on a dairy farm before I turned 16. I’d milk cows, do…
Read MoreI grew up in Adelaide, in Cowandilla. I was there for about 15 years. My parents split up, and I ended up on my own. I was homeless for a while. Then I did mining and stuff, looking for opals in Coober Pedy. I’d find some now and then, just enough to keep going. It’s…
Read MoreI was born in Perth. Apparently we lived in Manning Park, but I don’t remember that. I can only recall from the time when my family and I moved to Carnarvon. I remember my Grade 1 teacher, because I loved her. And I remember my Grade 3 teacher because I hated her. She gave me…
Read MoreOut of everything I’ve done in my life, having my child has got to be the most amazing thing. I love watching him grow. He’s learning to read. Some days, I’m not perfect, but I’m doing the best I can – and I’m a world away from where I grew up. I’m doing the work to reverse my history.
Read MoreSelling The Big Issue gives me a life. It gets me out of home. I love talking to people. It’s not about selling; for me, it’s about interacting with other people.
Read MoreI started selling The Big Issue around 2001. I like getting out of the house and meeting people. And the income helps.
Read MoreI’d love to keep selling The Big Issue. My favourite thing is the people I come across, both customers and vendors.
Read MoreIf I can inspire one person, that’s a good thing. And that’s why I like doing The Big Issue. Be your own hero.
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