Charlene’s desperate plea to beat bulimia

Charlene Roberts: fight with bulimia.

A WOMAN who has battled a life-threatening eating disorder for 13 years is pleading for help to get private treatment that could change her life.

Charlene Roberts (28) has suffered bulimia nervosa since she was 15 - and doctors have told her she may not see her 30th birthday.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which causes sufferers to binge eat before taking extreme measures to avoid gaining weight — including induced vomiting and excessive exercise.

Charlene, who lives in Middleton, has spent the last 12 months in and out of hospital with dangerously low blood pressure and has come close to death.

To raise awareness and money, the dancer and actress has spoken of her battle: “It’s terrifying to speak out but I have to, because I desperately need help. My condition is deteriorating rapidly, recently again I came close to my body shutting down, being rushed through resuscitation as doctors fought to get life-saving medication into my veins.

“I’ve spent weeks on heart machines and been told by doctors that with my present condition I may not see my 30th birthday.”

Determined to beat her illness, Charlene has her heart set on a place at Life Works rehabilitation centre in Surrey. Treatment would cost £7,000.

Charlene’s parents Alison Holt and Donald Partridge, from Saddleworth, are helping with her appeal.

Charlene has set up a web page where people can donate to her cause and she is already well on the way with more than £3,100 donated by family, friends and well-wishers.

She added: “I’m so humbled how my community has backed me, saying I’m brave and they are proud of me, but more so because they are helping me raise the funds I need.”

“I’m not going to pretend I’m not scared. I’m terrified. I want to make a difference and inspire others by giving hope to sufferers fighting the same battle.”

Follow Charlene at www.facebook.com/charsfightforrecovery