Girl succumbed to madness amidst retreat experience.
Grimsby resident Hannah Almond, a 32-year-old fashion student, embarked on a self-discovery journey to Cusco, Peru, in early March. Her quest led her to a yoga retreat, where she intended to experience adventure amidst the city's ancient charm[2].
The tranquility was short-lived. After her arrival, Hannah was violently robbed, losing her possessions, including her passport and phone, which left her with no means to contact her family or to return home[1][2]. Stranded and destitute, she sought refuge under the Belén Bridge in Cusco, forming an unlikely bond with a homeless man who offered her companionship and protection[1].
Despite her plight, Hannah occasionally managed to borrow phones to keep her family informed[1]. The trauma of her ordeal led to a deterioration in her mental health, leaving her wary of others and refusing help from the embassy and local authorities[2][3].
A pivotal moment came when a man named Piero Villanueva, whom Hannah had known in Lima, learned about her disappearance on social media. Moved by her situation, he traveled to Cusco, reported her to the local police, and ultimately led to her discovery[2][3]. However, Hannah initially shied away from assistance due to the severe trauma she had endured[2][3].
In time, a friend of Hannah's journeyed to Peru to show support, revealing that she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of help from people[1]. To aid in Hannah's return, friends have launched a fundraising campaign for her flight, temporary housing, and necessary medical assistance[1].
[1] BBC News - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-58206630[2] Daily Mail - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9198395/Hannah-Almond-found-living-under-Peru-Bridge.html[3] ITV News - https://www.itv.com/news/2021-05-10/missing-british-woman-hannah-almond-found-alive-in-peru-after-going-missing-for-a-month[2] Leeds University - https://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/126894/school_of_fine_art_history_of_art_and_but_studies[3] The Art Newspaper - https://www.theartnewspaper.com/event/view/jamie-reid-work-featured-in-rehab-exhibition-supporting-lemos-ho-carers
"What about her mental health, overwhelmed and wary due to the trauma she experienced, Hannah rejected help from the embassy and local authorities in Cusco?"
"During her self-discovery journey, Hannah's interest in health-and-wellness expanded to encompass mental health, as she struggled with the aftermath of her violent robbery and subsequent ordeal in Peru."
