A DANCE student who won her battle with an eating disorder will this weekend tell of her ordeal at a busy shopping centre.

Nicole Christie aims to show other young people they can recover from the illness with the right help and support when she speaks at an event hosted by the Braehead shopping centre.

With fellow students and friends, the 20-year-old from East Kilbride will prove she is back to full fitness by taking part in dance performances at the mall’s central atrium tomorrow from 1.30pm and later at the nearby Soar at intu Braehead. As an ambassador for Beat – a charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders – Nicole is using the experience of her illness, known as Ednos (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) to help others. 

Nicole and charity staff will be at display stands in the mall giving information and advice to people affected by an eating disorder.

Nicole, who now studies dance at Glasgow Clyde College, fell victim to the eating disorder when she became stressed studying for her school exams.

She said: “Although it’s been such a negative experience for me, what I’ve been through has changed me for the better as a person. “I now appreciate a lot more in life and I’m happy and contented.

“I thought I was going to be living the rest of my life in a big dark hole, but I was able to climb back out and I want to help others do the same.”

Lydia Brown, Braehead’s community development manager said: “Nicole has shown she’s a real fighter and we didn’t hesitate when she asked us to host the event.”

Nicole’s web page for the Beat charity is justgiving.com/Nicole-Christie4/