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.
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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
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?