I am the mother of three children one son and two daughters and both my daughters had an eating disorder. One had anorexia and the other had bulimia/binge eating. My daughters are in good recovery and are both married with children. I also looked after my brother who had schizophrenia.
During the time my family were ill I was running a helium balloon company, however looking after those who have a mental health illness can change your life and I was struck by how many other families were struggling with their care giving role. So I decided to sell the balloon business and set up “Eating Disorders and Carers”. As well as working with families I work closely with professionals to ensure that the family voice is heard.
18 years on and I now work across the mental health field. I sit on a variety of advisory boards and committees, I co-chair a Triangle of Care group at a London Trust and I am one of the Carer representatives on QED the “Quality Eating Disorder Network” at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
I feel passionately that families are a vital link between those they care for and the professionals.
In 2008 I was awarded an Eating Disorders National Award from beat (formerly the Eating Disorders Association) in recognition of my contribution to the world of eating disorders.
In 2013 I won the award “Carer Contributor of the Year 2013” given by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
