Brave dancer to mark anniversary Nicole beat eating disorder that nearly killed her
A brave East Kilbride dancer is throwing a spooktacular Halloween fundraiser to mark the date she beat her eating disorder.
Nicole Christie from Stewartfield hopes to turn the memory of the most difficult time of her life into a message of hope by raising awareness of support charity Beat.
The 22-year-old told the News: “This is the fourth year I am holding an event for Beat.
“This is a sensitive time of year for me, however, I try to turn it into a positive month and raise awareness for a charity very close to my heart.
“My aim is to raise awareness for Beat, to try and challenge the stigma surrounding eating disorders and to let people know that recovery is possible.
“I’m very open about my eating disorder because I would hope that it would help change stereotypical views surrounding the illness.
“There is support out there and by raising awareness of the charity I hope at least one person can benefit from hearing their name and find help.”
The former St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School pupil and Beat ambassador suffered from EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).
The illness, which took over her life in 2011, made her petrified of food. She would panic and start to hyperventilate at meal times.
Nicole got so thin she was wearing children’s clothes. Doctors told her she was only a few days from dying.
She said: “My eating disorder wasn’t me – it was a monster inside me, controlling everything I did and it almost killed me.”
After receiving treatment at Yorkhill Hospital and spending four months in Glasgow’s Stobhill Hospital for young people with psychological issues, Nicole was allowed home.
She said: “The transition from being institutionalised in hospital to being back in the outside world was, without a doubt, the hardest challenge I have ever faced in my life”.
Nicole has since pursued a career in dance training at Dance Studio Scotland and is now studying fashion and marketing.
She added: “I would like to thank the people and businesses in East Kilbride for their kind donations and mainly for their strong support.
“I am forever overwhelmed by people’s kindness and generosity.”
The fundraising event takes place this Friday at 7.30pm in The Union bar in the town centre and will feature a whole host of entertainment – from raffles and auctions to a special appearance by Ace Tribe Dance Company, choreographed by Hayleigh Gorman.