Eating disorder that started in Covid nearly killed warehouse worker, 19, who was eating only a few grapes a day

A teenager who was sent home from an eating disorder clinic after being diagnosed with anorexia, was fighting for her life in hospital just five days later.

Claudia Fletcher, 19, started rapidly losing weight in September 2022 while working in a warehouse to raise money to go travelling. 

The work was ‘brutal’ and took a huge toll on her health, as she was walking 20,000 steps per day and lifting heavy boxes during her 6am to 2pm shift.   

In November, Claudia contacted her GP who referred her to the eating disorder services, but was told she would have to wait six weeks before her first appointment and a further six weeks to be assessed for any kind of help.

Just five days after her first appointment, Claudia was hospitalised on an acute medical ward at Glenfield Hospital, barely able to walk or get out of bed.

In the space of just three months, Claudia had lost around 12kg — almost two stone.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Claudia said: ‘There was not much of me left really. I was so controlled by the illness and anyone who stepped in my way (she thought) was out to get me.

‘My mum was in such despair. She was on the computer all day, every day, researching and desperately trying to find anywhere to take me and I’ve never seen my dad so scared. They were just terrified of where this was going to end.’

In the days leading up to her hospitalization, Claudia wasn’t eating anything at all, just a ‘few grapes’ at most and was reluctant to accept help from her parents. 

Claudia believes if she hadn’t been hospitalised after that initial appointment, she would have been dead before the next one.

She believes the anxiety caused by Covid lockdowns has affected many young women and that was when her eating problems began.

‘I think Covid had a big impact on a lot of young girls, with body image and eating habits and things like that,’ she said. 

Now, Claudia is deep into her recovery and is currently in her first year at Newcastle University studying a degree in Psychology.

While Claudia said the care she received from the inpatient unit was ‘impeccable’, she said more NHS funding was needed to ensure people ‘can be seen before they get critically ill’. 

She is taking on a skydive this summer to raise money for BEAT — the UK’s eating disorder charity — which supported her family during Claudia’s time in hospital. 

She has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for her challenge.

Writing on her JustGiving page, Claudia said: ‘Anorexia is the most deadly mental illness, killing 1 in 5 of its sufferers. 

‘The inpatient care I did receive from the NHS was impeccable, and I cannot thank them enough for all they did for me throughout my 6 month admission and the support they continue to give me through outpatient care.

‘However, it is still unacceptable that eating disorders are seen as a ‘weight based’ illnesses and people only receive the treatment they need when it is often too late, and they are in a critical position physically. 

‘No one should be dying of an eating disorder in 2023. I am one of the lucky ones still here today to fight for more funding to eating disorder services in the NHS, so everyone can get the help they need before physical health is so poor the impacts are irreversible and traumatic. 

‘All people suffering with EDs deserve help despite their physical health or their weight. Anorexia Nervosa is a mental illness not a physical one.

‘I am raising money for BEAT charity who provided support for me and my family when the NHS fell short.’  

Claudia admitted she’d had problems with food for a few years prior, but it got serious when she started the job, as she was ‘isolated’ which gave her the ‘perfect opportunity to fall into it’.

‘I’d always wanted to lose weight, doing diets here and there, but my weight never really changed,’ Claudia said. 

‘As soon as I started the job I noticed it was a way I could lose weight and I latched onto it and spiraled completely.

‘Once I started losing weight it wasn’t about what I looked like anymore. I just wanted to eat less and less, and do more and more. And I didn’t know how to stop it.

‘I’ve always been a perfectionist and I like having goals. There was a pick up rate at work of how many boxes you were supposed to sort per hour. It wasn’t the end of the world if you didn’t meet that rate but in my head it was.

‘I put a lot of pressure on myself and would get a sense of achievement from losing the weight and with people getting worried, it was sort of validating it all and fuelled into the eating disorder really.’

Claudia was discharged from hospital on June 14, 2023, around six months after she was admitted.  

Thanks to the care she received from the Inpatients Bennion Centre, which involved meal plans, contact with dieticians and therapy, Claudia is now enjoying university life. 

Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, BEAT is a national helpline which exists to support and encourage recovery.

People can contact the charity online or by phone. Representatives listen, give advice and support people to make positive steps towards their recovery. 

Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: ‘Claudia is truly inspiring. Despite having an incredibly difficult 18 months, she is using her experience to raise money and awareness for a very important charity. 

‘From everyone at JustGiving, we wish Claudia the very best of luck in her mission.’

To make a donation to Claudia’s fundraiser, visit her Just Giving page here. 

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or caring for someone who is, visit beateatingdisorders.co.uk for advice and support.