A KENILWORTH mum who has shone a light on ‘the modern curse’ of eating disorders has been recognised by the prime minister.
Di Archer, alongside Jean Hart from Southampton, founded charity ‘tastelife’ in 2013, to support the recovery of those with eating disorders.
The charity was set up after both mums struggled to find support for their daughters who both had eating disorders. With help from Dr Ros Simpson they developed the ‘tastelife’ course to help sufferers and carers to cope.
The duo has also created a new ‘Awareness of Eating Disorders’ course which will be delivered in schools to help pupils understand more about attitudes and behaviours towards food.
They have been honoured with a ‘Points of Light’ award which recognises volunteers making a difference in their community and inspiring others. Each day someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their achievements.
In a personal letter to the women, prime minister Theresa May said: “You have both responded to the struggle of supporting daughters with eating disorders by creating a tremendous force for good. Your ambitious work with ‘tastelife’ is not only providing sufferers with vital support on their path to recovery, but also giving carers and families much needed guidance in how to cope with the daily difficulties of eating disorders.”
Di was grateful for the recognition.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have been chosen as ‘Points of Light’ for our work in combating the hideous modern curse of eating disorders.
“Through ‘tastelife’, lives are being changed, families remade and now, with this award, news of this work will surely spread new areas of the country.”
