Burnham-On-Sea author Jackie Tanner is hoping to raise awareness of eating disorders with the publication of her new book this week which coincides with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Jackie, who has recovered from an eating disorder, hopes to raise awareness of what can often be a secret and misunderstood illness.
She also wants to get the message out to sufferers that hope and support is available.
Jackie actively campaigns on eating disorders issues on social networking sites and blogs and is an Ambassador for the charity Body Gossip, which works to promote a positive image to all people without discrimination.
Her book, ‘The Cupcake Queen Bites Back’, is a collection of poetry and personal blog entries which outlines how she recovered from an eating disorder.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I began a personal blog in 2010 after finding support from reading others. At first I found it cathartic to put down my thoughts and this was beneficial to my recovery.”
“I now write to raise awareness and try to support others. It is really quite positive to see how my recovery journey progressed and this is mapped out in the
chapters of the book.”
“Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and it is vital that sufferers get the support they need.”
“I have been going to the SWEDA (Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association) support group for many years. The support they provide is a life-line, not only to sufferers but also to their families.”
“Although the NHS has a small dedicated Eating Disorders team, it is astounding that there is very little help like SWEDA available locally.”
“For some, this may be the only service they access. I would urge people to contact their MP to take part in this Thursday’s parliamentary debate and question the services available.”
‘The Cupcake Queen Bites Back’ will be available on Amazon.co.uk from this Thursday, February 14th. All royalties from the sale will go to SWEDA.
Pictured: Top, Jackie with Coronation Street‘s Zaraah Abrahams at an eating disorders awareness event last year and, above, her book
