Teenager with anorexic sister tells of her heartache (From Free Press Series)

Teenager with anorexic sister tells of her heartache

1:39pm Wednesday 10th March 2010

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TEENAGER Nicole Ball today tells the heartbreaking story of how her sister’s eating disorders devastated her childhood.

The 16-year-old from Chepstow was only four when her sister Kirsty starting suffering from anorexia and bulimia at the age of 10.

She said: “I don’t really think I understood what it was but she was moody and lashed out so we had stupid little arguments.

“It wasn’t until I was 12 that I began to understand what her disorder involved.

“When Kirsty and I were alone together - that’s when I could see it happening. She would eat more than she should and then throw it up.”

Although Nicole was too young to understand what was happening to Kirsty, she began to pick up on her habits.

Nicole said: “Because she didn’t eat in front of people, I wouldn’t eat in front of anybody except my family and I found it strange to eat for a while.”

Kirsty checked into an eating disorder clinic when she was 16 and seemed to be getting better. But it wasn’t long before Kirsty’s problems escalated and she was constantly in and out of hospital.

Then, in July 2005, aged 18, Kirsty took an overdose and fell into a coma. When she woke up more than two-months-later Kirsty was brain damaged and left unable to talk or move.

Nicole said: “It’s the fact I know that I’m never going to have a proper conversation with her again that gets to me. Life with Kirsty was difficult but although we would argue we were also very close.”

For the last three years Kirsty has been cared for at Llanhennock Lodge Cheshire Home near Caerleon.

This month Nicole is hoping to raise at least £1,200 for the home by braving one of the highest skydives in the country on Saturday, March 20 at Dunkeswell Drop Zone, Honiton.

Nicole will take part in the 15,000ft tandem sky dive jump with her brother-in-law Richard Standerwick and friend Harriet Silcox despite admitting she is “terrified” at the thought.

Nicole said: “I’m doing it just to support everybody for what they have done for Kirsty,” she said. “And the more money we raise the bigger the difference it will make for Kirsty and everybody at the Cheshire Home.”

She urged any families struggling with the effects of eating disorders to get help . “Talk to somebody about your problems as much as you can before it’s too late.”

Anyone who wants to donate money, or even take part in the jump themselves can contact Leonard Cheshire disability community fundraising office on 08450 552195 or Jeanette Bates on 01452 332969.

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