AN inspirational teenager has set her sights on travelling the world after overcoming anorexia.

Jade McDonald, aged 19, from Ramsbottom, developed the eating disorder when she was just 15 years old.

During one particularly challenging period, she required a stay on the Horizon Unit, a mental health unit situated within Fairfield Hospital.

After 12 months of receiving support, Jade was eventually well enough to be discharged back home. To ensure her recovery could continue, she began to receive care from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust's community eating disorders service.

The team worked with Jade and her family to develop a tailored package of care and support, which included one-to-one therapy sessions, group work and family support.

Jade, who found out she had passed her A-levels this summer, is now doing well – she is healthy, happy, feeling confident and is making plans to see the world.

And she has now thanked the team, including her therapist Vicky Brown, for saving her life.

She said: “Vicky and the team at the community eating disorders service have made such a huge difference to my life. Being able to sit down with someone every week and just pour my heart out really helped.

“I’m also really grateful to the team on the Horizon Unit, who got me through a really difficult time in my life.

"I have good days and bad days, but overall I’m feeling really well and enjoying life. I’m really pleased with my recent A-level results and have been on a family holiday.

“I’m now planning to travel with my friends. Visiting China and Africa are top of my list.

“My long term goal is to train as a paramedic, as I want to help people and make a difference.

“I’d like to thank Vicky and the team from the bottom of my heart for all their support, kindness and understanding and being there for me. They saved my life.”

Ms Brown, who as well being Jade's therapist, is clinical lead for the north community eating disorders service said: “Jade is such an inspiration. She has had some real challenges to overcome, but she hasn’t given in – even when things got tough.

“She’s working in a busy restaurant, about to learn to drive and recently passed her A-levels with flying colours. She is also planning to jet off to achieve her dream of travelling the world. I am hugely proud of Jade and what she has achieved.

“I want other young people who are experiencing an eating disorder, or another mental health condition, to hear Jade’s story and feel positive that there is light at the end of the tunnel. They aren’t on their own; we are here to help!”

A short film has been developed about Jade’s journey and the support that the community eating disorders service can offer to young people. It can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2_mVU64cX4&t=3s.

To find out more about the community eating disorders service and how to receive support, visit http://healthyyoungmindspennine.nhs.uk/eatingdisorders/.