Bolton: Woman to raise money for Beat after anorexia battle

When Kelly Louise Appleton was just 23, she was given just a week-and-a-half to live in 2020.

Kelly from Egerton had been struggling during lockdown when she worked at home as a primary school teacher.

She was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 19 and was at a critical stage when she was just 21.

It was thanks to the charity Beat that she was able to find the help she needed.

Kelly added: “They were incredible to me at the charity.

• ALSO READ: Ex-teacher to raise money for anorexia charity after being given just over a week to live

“My mum wanted to get that support to see how she could support me with this and having that collaborative approach for anyone who has an eating disorder problem was really important to me.”

Before and after Kelly's life changing battle

It was her boyfriend Lewis Wright, who first realised the severity of what was happening, and said Kelly needed to talk to her mum, Sharon Leeson.

Kelly struggles with body dysmorphia, which is where you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance.

She first developed this when she was in university and lived on her own.

She added: "I always had some sort of body image problem and lack of calories.

“But I started to control my calories, and my weight fluctuated when I was in university and living on my own and wasn't home.

"I never really had a good relationship with the gym because I used to burn a lot of calories.

“But now I avoid cardio and do more weights."

Following the success of her coffee morning last year Kelly will be hosting another one in April.

At last year's coffee morning (Image: Public)

One of the most important messages that Kelly wants to share is how it can affect anyone, including men.

She said: “I just think it’s about raising awareness.

“The rates of eating disorders increased during Covid and it’s important to keep raising awareness so people know where to go for support.

“We are focusing very much on males in terms of raising awareness because there is a lot of stigma around males going through eating disorders.

“It’s not always a young girl that’s going to be affected.

“You never really know who is going to be affected by it.”

Kelly has now changed careers and is studying to be an educational mental health practitioner, so she can help children dealing with anxiety and depression in schools.

The event will take place on Saturday March 4 from 11am – 3pm at kitchen makeover company, Dream Doors, owned by Kelly's parents, Sharon and Mick Appleton.

Kelly added: “We are raising money for Beat again because we last year we did really well and raised over £400 for them.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come and have a chat if they are struggling or to just come and show support.”

It will take place during Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

There will also be a raffle, with lots of local businesses already donating prizes, including Bella Bakes.

Any proceeds from cakes, raffle tickets, and coffee etc will go towards the charity.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.