Flicking through a photo album, I stopped at a picture taken four years previously on our local beach. ‘Look,’ I said, pulling my son, Hunter, then four, onto my knee. ‘That’s Mummy cuddling you when you were just a baby,’ I smiled, pointing to the little bundle in my arms. Only, Hunter frowned.
‘That’s not you, that lady is very fat,’ Hunter said, scrunching up his face in confusion. ‘Does that mean you’re not my real mummy?’ he sniffed, his voice suddenly wobbling and tears welling. Shocked, it was only then it sunk in that I’d changed so much, my own son didn’t recognise me.
Growing up, I’d always been taller and broader than my friends. By 16, at 6ft 3in and 18st, it was a struggle to find school uniforms to fit. Towering over not just the girls, but the boys in my class, too, made me horribly self-conscious.
I’d always had a big appetite, enjoying pasta, pizza and puddings. But, feeling upset about my appearance, I’d also comfort myself with chocolate and extra helpings of my favourite cheesecake.
By the time I went to college in September 2010, I was 19st and size 20. But that didn’t deter fellow student Leroy Maxwell, then 20. We were friends, then started dating and became inseparable.
Within a year, we were living in our own place, snuggling on the sofa every night with takeaway curries and Chinese food. By then, I was working as a hotel housekeeper. I enjoyed my job but struggled being on my feet all day due to my size. By the end of each shift,I’d be sweaty and breathless.
I kept telling myself to tackle my weight, then in March 2012, Leroy gave me more reason to do so. ‘Will you marry me?’ he asked during a walk on Nairn Beach, near our home. ‘Of course!’ I replied, tearfully.
Denne historien er fra January 12, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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 January 12, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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
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