A woman who says hospital staff "saved her life" after battling anorexia has achieved her dream of becoming a specialist eating disorder nurse.
Bethany Kydd, 22, became so ill with the condition while studying for her A-Levels that she had to be cared for in hospital. Bethany, from Upton, Wirral, began receiving treatment at The Countess of Chester Hospital when she was a teenager, and now wants to highlight the damaging effects of anorexia.
She said: “I think a lot of people don’t realise how serious eating disorders can be. They think it’s just a phase, or that you just want to change how you look, that it’s just a way of dieting. In reality, it’s a massive issue, a mental health problem that affects every aspect of your life. I really want to raise awareness of that.”
Bethany admitted her anorexia had been “a massive barrier” to her ambition to go to university and was concerned about how she’d manage her recovery if she were to enrol. However, her commitment to a strict recovery plan and the support of family and friends meant she was able to complete her Nursing (Mental Health) course, gaining a First Class degree from Edge Hill University.
Bethany said: “Living with anorexia inspired me to want to help other people. Eating disorders are really misunderstood. I want to be able to spread the message that there is hope and recovery is possible. And I hope the fact that I’ve experienced anorexia myself helps me support patients better.
“To anyone who’s experiencing similar issues I’d say don’t let it stop you. Just reach out for support when you need it. Don’t let it define you. You are not just your illness, that’s not who you are. You can go on to be successful."
During her time at university the 22-year-old returned to The Countess of Chester Hospital to take part in a work placement at Ancora House, a mental health inpatient unit for adolescents.
She said: “That was a big thing. I really wanted to give back to the hospital that saved my life. It was really emotional because I saw some of the staff who cared for me.”
Bethany is now working at Springview Hospital, in Bebington, as a specialist eating disorder nurse. Her new job and her plans to buy a flat in Liverpool are a testament to how far she's come.
And Bethany attributes much of her success to her personal tutor, Marcia Plumridge, who provided emotional and academic support during her first year at university.
Bethany said: “She was amazing. We used to meet up a lot and she would always ask how I was doing personally, not just in relation to studying; she’d make sure I was ok.
“The fact that I just really enjoyed my course definitely helped. Learning how to help other people has been the best thing. I’m really happy to have achieved a First and I feel like the whole thing has definitely made me stronger.”
Bethany’s personal tutor Marcia Plumridge added: “I was struck by how professional, determined and capable Bethany is and the potential she has to become an excellent empathetic mental health nurse.
“The disruption of Covid did not cloud this determination and I am very proud of the mental health nurse she is becoming. She will be an asset to her new team.
“Well done Bethany, you've smashed it.”
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