Lifting my head from the pile of books, I suddenly knew that the career path I’d worked towards wasn’t to be. I’d been determined to go into medicine, and was in the fourth year of my degree. But no matter how much I’d imagined becoming a doctor, something meant far more to me – becoming a mum.
‘I’m going to swap to social work,’ I told my partner, Matt. ‘Are you sure?’ he asked. I’d never been more certain of anything. If I carried on, it would be at least another decade before I could think about having children, and I didn’t have 10 years.
At seven years old, I’d been diagnosed with leukaemia, and though the two years of treatment had been successful, it had come at a cost. I’d probably have a shorter time frame than most to fall pregnant.
As a little girl, I’d just been happy to feel well again. But the cancer treatment had a lasting legacy on my weight. The steroids stimulated my appetite, so I felt hungry all the time. By the end of primary school, I was big for my age and the other kids taunted me. Whenever I felt hurt or fed up, I turned to food for comfort. When I left secondary school, I was around a size 16. My mum, Sally, tried to help, suggesting calorie counting. I gave it a go, but it wasn’t something I could stick to. Then, just before my 17th birthday, I met Matt, who was taking part in a sponsored swim at the pool where I was a lifeguard.
Our dates revolved around takeaways, and I soon crept up another size. Four years later, when my medical team explained I’d struggle to become a mum, Matt gave me a cuddle and said, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll make it work.’
Denne historien er fra October 12, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 12, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones