DIET OR GO BLIND

It's a stark warning, but the prospect of losing her sight wasn't enough to make Sarah Harrison, 49, tackle her weight...

- MOIRA HOLDEN

As I opened the kitchen cupboard, I stared at a pack of milk chocolate digestives and felt my stomach grumble. 'I can't.' I told myself over and over. Tears began to stream down my cheeks as I tried desperately to fight my cravings. I'd been here before, attempting to stop bingeing on junk food. But this time, in 2000, was different - I'd just been told that if I didn't lose weight, I'd lose my sight. If I didn't get rid of the bulge, I'd risk not seeing my son, Josh, then six, grow up. Yet, here I was, about to tuck into those digestive biscuits.

I hadn't always been big. When I was a teenager, I joined the Sea Cadets, and I threw myself enthusiastically into sailing, A camping and hiking, but swimming was my first love, and I even represented the Sea Cadets in national competitions.

Aged 17, in 1990, I signed up for the RAF, and for the next few years, I remained fit and active. On nights out, I'd slip into my favourite little black dress - a size 16 - and I felt sleek and slim.

But at 22, I left the RAF and gave birth to Josh in December 1994. After splitting from my husband just two years later, I turned to food for comfort.

 

I'd order an Indian takeaway and hoover up huge portions, with multiple starters of pakoras and samosas, followed by chicken tikka masala and rice, and a side order of naan bread.

Between meals, I loaded up on crisps, wolfing down packets of cheese and onion, and I'd gorge on chocolate in the evenings when Josh was in bed.

WORRYING DIAGNOSIS

Within two years my weight rocketed to 20st, overwhelming my 5ft 4in frame.

And in 1998, at a routine eye test, I was diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension, an eye condition that causes increased pressure on the brain.