Now i’m a glam gran!

Peeling back the layers of PPE – apron, gloves, mask, face shield, goggles – I breathed a sigh of relief. Another stressful day was over.

I couldn’t wait to get home, have a shower, put my feet up and crack open a bottle of wine.

It was January 2021 and for the last year, I’d been working as a mental health social worker in A&E during the pandemic. As well as the challenging 12-hour shifts, I saw patients who were lonely, vulnerable and feeling trapped at home. I did my best but all of us on the front line were struggling, stressed and emotional.

NO RESISTANCE

Constantly being gifted cake, chocolates and biscuits by well-meaning members of the public and being sent free food from local restaurants was very much appreciated. But it was so difficult to resist all the treats and it was taking its toll on my waistline.

At home, and all out of energy, the only way I could unwind was with a few glasses of wine and more food. It didn’t take long before the weight piled on.

Pre-pandemic, I hadn’t exactly been looking or feeling my best and at 5ft 2in tall and over 14st, I wore a size 18.

I had battled with my weight for decades, especially since having my four children, who by then were 24, 29, 30 and 35.

Then a hysterectomy in my mid-30s had plunged me into early menopause. Over the years I’d tried to eat healthily, and did the odd bit of exercise. I’d managed to lose 2st 7lb at one point, but of course, it crept back on.

Every morning, I’d open my wardrobe with dread, reaching for the most comfortable things - a loose T-shirt or jumper and leggings.

I had no confidence and while my kids never said anything about my weight, my mum had always been honest with me. ‘Have you put on a few pounds?’ she’d ask. ‘It upsets me seeing you so big.’

Mum lived nine hours’ drive away in Scotland so she would always notice the weight that I’d gained between visits. It was hard to hear, but I knew it came from a place of love. Mum didn’t mean to upset me, she was honest with me because she cared so much about my health. I’d always make excuses, telling her I was too busy to diet. The truth was that I was too stubborn and didn’t want to be told what to do.

But now, whenever I was at work and had to pile on endless PPE over my growing belly, I just felt so uncomfortable and worse about myself.

And I’d seek comfort in more food – pasta, chocolate, pastries and ready meals.

With the kids having long