Dear Fanta
You have no idea who I am, but you mark the day my life changed forever
When someone prayed for me at the age of 19, I became free from anorexia overnight. It’s an awesome, powerful story that I believe is meant to be shared far and wide to be an inspiration to other people.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve found myself in influential positions in front of live audiences, cameras, radio microphones and magazine readers. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring, and I am so grateful for every single opportunity – whether the audience is 6 or 60,000.
A monumental moment in my story was when I opened a bottle of Fanta for the first time since becoming ill. To me, it was (and still is) the flavour of freedom.
I visited Loretta Andrews at Premier Christian Radio in May and shared my story with her. In the 20 minute interview, I offer my advice for family members of anorexia sufferers.
I spent the whole day with my UCB family back in October, and shared my story in depth with Becs Millington for her Mental Health Day show. It was such a poignant conversation, I won’t forget it.
At the Hay Festival in 2017, I shared my songs and story together on the BBC stage for BBC Introducing in Hereford & Worcester.
That’s why I’m asking for Fanta’s help.
I’ve got another great opportunity to share my message of hope with 400 people at an event later this year (more on that another time!) and I’d like to make a real impact by gifting every guest with a can of Fanta carrying an encouraging note. With something a little different and compelling (everyone loves a free drink!), maybe they’d take notice. Maybe they’d read my story. Maybe they’d be inspired to seek help too.
UCB’s daily devotional for young people, Word For You, printed the story in their Spring edition this year. It’s posted to 60,000 homes!
Last month Premier Christianity Magazine featured it amongst a number of powerful stories of lives changed with God’s help. Amazing.
CBN Europe are making a documentary of freedom stories from women all over the country, which I am so excited to be a part of. To be continued!
And today, over 100 people used social media to get my request noticed.
I have no idea how many letters and emails Fanta receive on a daily basis, but it’s probably more than me. To get my voice heard, I needed lots of other voices to ask in unison. Fortunately, there happens to be an app for that; it’s called Thunderclap, and it means that everyone who takes part sends the same message at the same time via social media. Clever, huh?
That’s why I’m celebrating that today you guys SMASHED my expectations once again, and 103 messages of support went out across social media accounts across 4 different countries!
Here’s a huge THANK YOU to everyone who signed up or shared
You are Fanta-stick... 😉
