Popping a sausage onto my plate, I sat down on a plastic garden chair and licked my lips. It was May 2020, and I’d reunited with my family for the first time in months, due to lockdown restrictions, and we were celebrating with a barbecue.
But moments later, my son, Ollie, then two, bounded onto my lap, pushing me backward. In an instant, the chair leg snapped, sending us both plummeting to the ground. ‘Ollie!’ I screamed, as I hit the floor. Luckily, neither of us was hurt, but my humiliation was obvious. It was no good blaming my boisterous toddler, though – at 21st, it was my fault the chair had collapsed and I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
I’d always loved food. Even at the age of five, I was bigger than other kids at school.
My mum tried to encourage three meals a day, but I’d sneak packets of crisps when I got home and take them to eat in my room.
HEAVIER AND HEAVIER
At secondary school, I’d spend my lunch money on savory snacks and chocolate.
Aged 12, I weighed 12st, and I continued to put on a stone each year. I struggled to fit in school uniform, and I ended up with size 18 skirts from the womenswear section instead.
By the time I was 18, I weighed 18st, but despite my size, I was active. I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and often did long hikes. It was a struggle, but sugary snacks and determination kept me going.
この記事は WOMAN'S OWN の August 03, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は WOMAN'S OWN の August 03, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
MY SON DIED HELPING OTHERS
Christine Parry is determined to continue her son's heroic work in Ukraine
I'M A MIDLIFE DADDY'S GIRL
Rachel Tompkins, 44, loves having a close relationship with her father
BECKHAMS' BUST-UPS
Posh and Becks are preparing to mark 25 years of marriage, but is all well in paradise?
DO VIRAL BEAUTY HACKS REALLY WORK?
Intrigued by hair and skincare advice trending on TikTok, Julie Cook, 46, decided to put it to the test
MEXICAN ONE-DISH DINNERS
Spice up midweek meals with these thrifty favourites
BANISH BINGO WINGS
Say 'hello' to sculpted arms this summer - just give these six easy moves a try
HOMELESS TO MILLIONAIRE
With her house repossessed and deep in depression, Caroline Strawson, 50, was determined to transform her life
THIS MORNING IN CRISIS!
Are new presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard set to be replaced already?
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on cooked brealdfasts, divorce and cleaning
GOING SOLO
Claire Waite Brown, 52, hadn't travelled alone for over 30 years