A TEENAGER who has successfully battled anorexia has taken the first steps towards her dream career as a teacher.

Catherine Hawkins, 18, has just passed her A levels to secure a place on a primary school teaching course.

However, as a 13-year-old she was battling a serious illness which left her so malnourished her body was feeding off itself.

The family are now telling their story in a bid to help others who are going through a similar experience.

Catherine’s parents, Audrey and Anthony, realised how seriously ill she was in 2010 when the family were buying new swimming costumes and Mrs Hawkins was left shocked at their daughter’s appearance.

Mr Hawkins said: “It appeared Catherine was little more than a skeleton in those changing rooms.

“During the year leading up to this holiday there had been subtle changes that we had not noticed initially.

“For example, no more second helpings of Sunday roast, no snacks, water instead of juice and regular running.

“She was covering herself up, both literally and metaphorically, very well.”

Catherine was referred to the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s child and adolescent mental health service.

Specialist team She was placed under the care of a hospital dietician and also supported by a specialist team from Chalk Hill Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Staff visited the family home in Chichester to provide extra support, counselling and help.

It was a long, tough struggle for all concerned but Catherine has managed to successfully regain her health and get on with her life.

Mr Hawkins said: “I think the biggest turning point in Catherine’s recovery was when she could finally admit the illness to herself and others and, most importantly, wanted a recovery herself.”

Catherine said: “Life can still be a struggle but things are so much better now that I am on the other side.

“I find comfort in seeing how this illness, despite how despairing it was at the time, has been turned round for good.

“I have been able to help people in similar situations, which has been encouraging to me.

“The most important message that I can share is that there is always hope. Even when I was in the midst of a disaster, there were still people carrying me through it.”

Catherine plans to work in Kenya as well as complete her teaching degree and is also looking forward to starting a family.