Who is Jessie Keogh?

A. Dedicated LIVIN Mental Health Advocate     
B. BMW E30 Race Car owner and competitor
C. Terrified of birds                                            
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

These days, Jessie is well known for her black helmet, racing suit and her LIVIN branded BMW E30 black racing car – La Villanelle, which she’s not afraid to drive around a racetrack at 200km/h+….. but is terrified of birds. Here’s a sneak peek at her little beast https://www.instagram.com/p/CieFnyBAAaD/

Jessie contacted LIVIN several months ago and generously offered to brand La Villanelle at her own expense, so now flies the LIVIN flag as she zips around the racetrack. Her little offsider, a pug called Optimus, is never too far away, cheering on from the side lines. 

Jessie tackles life with unbridled commitment and passion, especially when it comes to mental health advocacy, supporting LIVIN and Chris Hemsworth. As a competitor from Tennis to Football (soccer), Motorsport is the next pinnacle she will conquer, and has played a huge part in her wellness journey. Read in her own words how this extraordinary young woman is overcoming her life challenges and supporting LIVIN.

“Back here again… for the good old, routine six monthly Ultrasound check-up. Last year I had my seventh surgery in eight years, and amongst other things we have all been through lately, it all finally caught up with me. And last year on the 23/6/21 I had my biggest and hopefully the last. I had the removal of a 10cm Fibroid that was attached to the inside of my Uterus complete with a 20cm cut and x18 staples. A Caesarean Section – but instead of delivering a baby, I delivered a fibroid (sorry mum, not yet!).… Six weeks of bed rest followed. No sport. No dinners out. No gardening. No visiting Friends. No driving. Just rest. It was the complete opposite to the active, social and full life I like to lead. Oh – and if you’re scratching your head wondering what a fibroid is, it is a benign tumour, the largest a human can produce.

I was very low in the days that followed that last surgery. I felt defeated, like that was it for me. At the start of this year I personally struggled with my mental health and honestly didn’t think I would be around right now, but, my faith, family and friends saved me.  #itaintweaktospeak is a reason why I am here. Because I opened up. Let myself be vulnerable to those I love and care about and was overwhelmingly embraced with love, understanding, compassion and affection.

It takes a leap of faith to be brave and let people in, it’s not a battle you have to face alone. A big factor for me has also been Motorsport, it’s not something you might hear often, but Motorsport saved my life. It has given me a reason and purpose again. I’ve gone from the lowest I’ve ever felt to the happiest I’ve ever been.

However, I was reminded how blessed I was, with the gifts that were sent and the constant love and support from my wonderful family and friends I received. It’s weird though how you can feel so alone and so loved at the same time sometimes. One particular visit from my Aunty stands out. I remember it was a Saturday afternoon and I asked for some binge-worthy TV suggestions, looking for something new to help me pass the time, to provide some distraction.

“You should watch ‘Drive To Survive’ you’d like it, it’s the one about F1 on Netflix?” she suggested. “Mmmm. Probably not my thing… but, OK.” I thought.

Anyway, I started watching it. And watching it some more. The whole series. Like millions of others around the world, I was hooked on this show. But not just on the whole drama and craziness of F1, the Motorsport thing. It intrigued me. Captured my competitive nature in a way that I thought was not possible anymore (I mean, I was unable to play soccer anymore- which was a very tough reality for me to comprehend). While slowly recovering and starting to think about movin’ on from the last 8 years of constant tests, doctors, surgeries and recoveries…fast forward to Twelve months later, 19/6/22 I participated in my first Come & Try Day with BMW Drivers Club Melbourne.

I was surprised at how passionate I became, and how consumed by a goal I was – to get into Motorsport. It gave me a focus – a sense of purpose again. I’m a big believer in that everything happens for a reason. And at my lowest, I dreamt of greatness. It just takes a spark to ignite a fire! And momentum is now on my side as I march towards that dream to grid up and race in the E30 Racing Series.

And recently, there was another big milestone along that path. I got the all clear (yay!) which is such a relief and great reassurance to me. (Oh, and ladies – not to preach, cause that’s not my vibe – please get regular check-ups and look after your health).”

On Sunday 4th December 2022 you can see Jessie compete in a Sprint Event. Alpha Romeo Owners Club of Australia (AROCA) are hosting Round 9 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. https://bmwdcm.com.au/event-4604815

You can also sponsor Jessie by getting in contact; https://www.instagram.com/jessielkeogh/