A woman from Derbyshire has shared her battle with anorexia in the hope that her story can inspire and support others facing similar struggles. Annie Windley revealed that at her sickest, she weighed only 29 kilograms—just over four and a half stone—putting her at severe risk of heart failure due to extreme malnutrition.

The 21-year-old from Woolley Moor has lived with anorexia for more than five years and has gone through repeated hospital stays, medical treatment, and intensive care. Despite the difficult journey, she found strength in running and used it as part of her recovery process. Her progress became especially meaningful when she successfully completed the Chesterfield Half Marathon in October last year.

Annie explained that she eventually realized recovery could become something positive and life-changing rather than something driven by fear. She said anorexia may always remain a part of her life, but she has learned how to manage the illness without allowing it to control her thoughts. Diagnosed with an eating disorder in 2012, she began trying to recover two years later, although the process included major setbacks, periods of being sectioned, and moments when she became too weak to stand.

She said a turning point came in October 2017, when she decided to fight for recovery entirely for herself. Since then, she has gained three stone in just four months and reached her highest weight since 2014. Annie also said she learned that kindness, relationships, and the way people treat others matter far more than body weight or appearance. Instead of obsessing over food and restriction, she encourages others to focus on meaningful connections, laughter, friendship, and being present for the people they care about.