Derbyshire Woman Shares Anorexia Recovery Journey, Finding Strength Through Running and Self-Worth
A woman from Derbyshire who has overcome anorexia has spoken publicly about her experience in the hope that it will support others facing the same struggle.
The most Annie Windley ever weighed was just 29kg—slightly over four and a half stone—and her dangerously low weight placed her at serious risk of a heart attack.
The 21-year-old, who lives in Woolley Moor, has battled anorexia for more than five years and has endured repeated hospital admissions, medical treatment, and periods of intensive care. Despite those challenges, Annie has leaned on her passion for running as part of her recovery and says she is now in strong shape. She completed the Chesterfield Half Marathon in October last year.
She explained, “I came to the lovely realization that recovery is a beautiful process—it should feel exciting, unforgettable, and amazing.
I think anorexia will always be a part of me, but I’ve learned how to manage it and stop letting food control my thoughts.
It’s never too late to change for the better.”
Annie was first diagnosed with an eating disorder in 2012. Two years later, she began her recovery journey, but it came with major setbacks, including being sectioned and losing so much weight that she could no longer stand.
She said that in October 2017, she began fighting harder than she ever had before. “I can’t explain exactly what changed,” she added, “but this time, I was doing it purely for myself.”
She described the struggle as intense, with every day bringing deep pain as well as immense courage. “I’ve gained three stone in the last four months,” she said, “and I’m now at my heaviest since 2014.”