LORNA Dewhurst is enjoying life in the Forest less than three years after nearly dying from a heart attack brought on by the eating disorder anorexia.

She moved to the area after meeting fiancé Jeremy Goodwin and is planning to marry next year.

Now a healthy nine stones for her 5ft 7in frame, it is a far cry from the situation in August 2011 when she collapsed weighing just five stones.

The 33-year-old decided to tell her story as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week which runs until Sunday (March 2).

Eating disorders such as anorexia are serious mental illnesses affecting 1.6 million in the UK and claim more lives than any other mental illness – but they are treatable and recovery is possible.

Lorna was at the home of her brother Rob in Liverpool when she found slumped unconscious and face down in the bath having suffered a cardiac arrest.

Healthcare consultant Lorna was so close to death that she was blessed by a vicar when she arrived at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

She spent six weeks in intensive care and the high dependency unit before being transferred to Bristol.

Lorna, who struggled with the eating disorder for 10 years, said: "Anorexia had made my muscles weak but I was at work three days before it happened. I was on my feet at work for eight hours every day - I had no idea of the damage I'd done. I'd got so weak.

"My heart just decided to stop – it couldn't cope anymore. It was completely out of the blue. I don't remember feeling faint and never had any symptoms before. I could have been driving or on my own somewhere – I was incredibly lucky to be surrounded by family.

"Everyone at the Royal was just amazing. I was so weak and so ill," added Lorna.

"I don't think there could have been much life left in me. I couldn't do anything. They helped me drink water; they helped me stand up, everything. I couldn't have asked for better care.

"I had no energy in me; it was a real effort to sit up. I would sit in a chair, move to stand up and take a few steps, a little bit more each day. After four weeks I was able to walk down the corridor. I loved going outside for a change of scenery."

The family have fundraised for the Royal Liverpool's R Charity and intend to send money each Christmas as a mark of gratitude for the care.

Her mum, Carol, added: "It's sad she lost 10 years of her life to anorexia, but without the care she got at the Royal, she wouldn't have a life now. It's a fantastic place."