Jo Parkes, 32, only wanted to read to her little girls, but something huge was stopping her..
My weight problem had started when I went to secondary school in September 1996. It was just puppy fat at first, but embarrassed, I stopped eating around my friends.
By the time I got home I’d be starving. With both my parents at work I had free rein of the kitchen and, while my younger siblings Richard, Nicola and Jonny would have a couple of snacks, I’d binge on family sized slabs of chocolate, along with crisps and mini apple pies. Then I’d have a large helping of chilli for dinner.
Standing out
I put on about a stone a year and by the time I left school, aged 18, I weighed 19st. I hated that I couldn’t wear the same clothes as my friends and on nights out I’d feel horrendous. I looked so big next to them Finally I can read them a story and I never got chatted up by guys.
A couple of months later I started working in a local nursery close to my home in Harborough, Leicestershire. I loved my job, but being on my feet all day meant I worked up an appetite, too. So, when I got home I’d often get a takeaway – Chinese or pizza – or throw some chicken Kievs or fish fingers in the oven.
Finding love
At 5ft 3in and a size 24, my body struggled, but I felt helpless. Then, in April 2008, I was on Facebook when I came across a man named Guy and we started messaging. At 23, he was six years older and worked asa textiles manager in women’s fashion.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 24,2017-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 24,2017-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories