By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 11:45, Monday, 21 February 2011

A Cumbrian student will tell her story about the dangers of anorexia and eating disorders to educate young girls about the problems she faced.

Sally McPherson, 19, of Whitehaven, is a normal A-level students who loves music, shopping and hanging out with her friends – but for the last 11 years she has battled anorexia.

Sally said: “I’m in recovery now, but it’s not been easy.

“The first time I remember having trouble with food was when I was eight.

For most people a sandwich would look like a tasty snack – for me it was a huge deal, the enemy.

“I found at school that people really didn’t understand what anorexia was or how serious a condition it can be, I want to do something to change this.”

Sally got involved with ITV Fixers to raise awareness of anorexia in the north west.

She has created a book with art and writing based on her own experiences aimed at 11 to 12-year-old girls.

This age group is most at risk of developing eating disorders, which are estimated to affect 1.15 million people across the UK.

Sally said: “When the book is finished I’d really like to be able to take it into schools and use it as part of a workshop.”

ITV Fixers with vinspired.com is a campaign created by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, giving young people between the ages of 16 and 25 the opportunity to tackle any issue that they feel strongly about. What they choose to do is up to them as long as it benefits at least one other person.

The Fixers are given all the resources they need to make their chosen project a success.

Sally’s story will be shown on ITV Lookaround on Thursday, February 24 at 6pm.

First published at 11:47, Monday, 21 February 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk