INSIGHT into EATING DISORDERS and SELF-ESTEEM with ALEX CORKRAN

Somebody once said it was not possible. But against the odds, here I am, some time down the line from living in the grip of the destruction and debilitation that came with the eating disorder that was my life.

Years of growing up in a happy family home, surrounded by friends and loved ones, how could I jeopardise it all in the name of food? I didn't, and it is my experience that nobody who has trodden the same path ever does. Eating was never the problem. It was the symptom. The cause lay within.

Hungry heart.

Emptiness. An empty soul is more hollow than an empty stomach. One can be filled off a plate. The other needs something more.

Lonely in a crowd. So many know that feeling. Indeed, those people are not alone.

Lost. Tell me you are lost and I can show you the way. Admit your way isn't working and you give yourself a chance to be shown something that might.

I tell a story that has themes common to all; the experiences and emotions are familiar to most. However, as I take my audience with me on a pathway through a part of my growing-up, I endeavour to create a living picture of eating disorders and the way by which they smother the awe and wonder out of life.

Hungry heart, hungry mind, hungry body. Exactly the way that it was. The isolation and hopelessness of living with an eating disorder is something I know. After years of existing in the dark shadow of an eating disorder I came to see how far I had fallen and began to crawl out, up and away from that wretched existence. I travelled a path into recovery, steered by other people, into a place from which today I play the same role of navigating others away from a rapidly growing problem. I am candid and I offer straight talking, but I am sensitive too. I reserve plenty of time for the family and friends - their thoughts, feelings and reactions need recognition, reflection and consideration.

My story supports the concept of attraction rather than promotion. Having spoken to over 400 audiences so far, the stories of others emulate this. Experience has been of young people responding in a positive light and gaining the opportunity to learn how to avoid living in the despair that can ultimately lead to disaster.

"Long may you continue to do such an important job"
Jan Purcell, Ellesmere College

"We admired your style and content, felt you sharing your experience was so effective you got to people."
Fiona Denyer, George Watsons College

For further information, or to arrange a presentation for pupils, staff OR parents, please call me, Alex Corkran, on 07790364784, email springback@homecall.co.uk or write to me at: Spring Cottage, 16 Northbridge Street, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5NY. I look forward to hearing from you.