Was my weight going to hurt my son?

A playground visit made Laura Brandon- Walsh, 36, realise she needed to change

- EMMA ROOSITER, DAWN COLLISON

Turning the corner into the playground, I gave my son, Noah, four, a big smile. ‘Are you excited?’ I asked, and he gave an enthusiastic nod in response.

Today was his first day in Reception, another milestone – but, looking around, I came to a horrifying realization. Unlike the other mums – who looked chic and slim in active-wear or jeans and nice tops – I’d opted for an old, black maternity sweatshirt and jeggings. Even then, the baggy and stretchy fabric couldn’t hide my true size. At 18st and a size 24, I was by far the biggest mum in the whole school.

As I said goodbye to Noah, I pulled at my top, hoping it would cover more of my bum. But as embarrassed as I felt, it didn’t compare to how scared I was for my little boy. What if my weight ruined his first day? I knew first hand that children can be cruel.

With wife Lisa (right) on their wedding day

Joking around

By the time I was 15, I wore a size 18 and asked my parents to help me to diet. But with no willpower, nothing ever worked, and growing up I tried my best to make light of my weight.

I’d shout out things like ‘lookout, a big girl running’ during PE classes, figuring I’d rather have the bullies laughing with me, than at me. Yet it didn’t stop me getting the cruel taunts or sideways glances.

After leaving school, my weight continued to creep up. I got a job in an office and, in 2006, I met Lisa, then 33. She had two girls from a previous relationship, and we married in July 2010, when I was 26. I was the happiest I’d ever been, but my weight continued to soar.