Jo Thompson was once given 48 hours to live - but later
realised that getting used to seeing people eating was the only way she
would recover
A girl conquered her deadly anorexia by getting a job at McDonald’s.
Jo Thompson, 21 – once given just 48 hours to live – beat the disorder after falling for her boss at the burger chain.
He
coaxed her into eating again. And despite fears the illness may have
made her infertile, the couple have gone on to have two healthy babies.
Jo
developed anorexia and anxiety attacks at 11. Within six months,
weighing just 4st, she was being tube fed in hospital and was given 48
hours to live.
She recovered slightly but for six years survived on just peas and water, doing star jumps to lose even more weight.
Then, aged 17, Jo realised that getting used to seeing people eating was the only way she would recover.
So she applied for a job at McDonald’s and immediately fell in love with manager Zoheb Khan, 25.
Jo recalled: “We would have lunch together and he’d say ‘I’m not eating mine until you’ve eaten yours’.
“He
helped me battle my disorder and I began to feel happy again. People
were shocked when I got the job but I had to prove I could beat my
demons.” Seven months after they met the pair moved in together in
Solihull, West Mids. Doctors told them the damage caused by anorexia
meant it unlikely Jo would ever become a mum.
But they were wrong.
Jo said: “One day I felt a flutter in my tummy and just knew I was pregnant.
“I
loved it. For the first time I felt it was acceptable to put on weight.
Anorexia is not in control any more – I have my two beautiful children
to look after now so I will never let myself become ill again.
“Zoheb still works at McDonald’s and I have started a college course.
“Anyone can become anorexic – it’s not a choice girls make. But my story shows there can be a happy ending.”
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