It makes for harrowing reading, as Hachiko (5ft 2 in and just over 75lb – five stone) recounts how her illness began and how lonely and frustrated she feels at the lack of understanding and help available to her and fellow anorexics in Japan – a country for whom this is a relatively new phenomenon.

This was an article which struck a very personal chord with me as I too suffered from this condition in my mid teens, losing two years of my life to anorexia and subsequently bulimia between the ages of 15 an 17. Luckily I managed to turn things around and have since then been free of this horrendous condition, but I can still vividly remember the feelings of fear and isolation associated with it and the mammoth effort it took to break free from it.

Reading about Hachiko’s story I wanted to reach out, put my arms around her tiny frame and reassure her that she could be well again…that she was not alone and that it is possible to overcome this illness and be strong again…. I, like so many others, am proof of that.

In some ways, thankfully at least, through Hachiko’s bravery in talking about this issue, together with fellow sufferer – Japanese popstar Cocco, admitting in interviews that she too is battling this condition, perhaps anorexics in Japan will soon have a voice and access to the relevant help and support they need….I very much hope so. Let’s not forget this is an illness that can kill….we only have to look back to the beautiful and talented musician and singer Karen Carpenter as a terrifying reminder of that…

To those of you who may know someone (male or female) suffering from this condition, please reach out and help them – it’s very difficult to bring yourself to ask for help whilst caught up in the anorexia trap – secrecy and denial play a major part in this condition.

To those of you suffering: don’t be embarrassed or ashamed, you are not alone and help is out there – please try to find a way to it now.

To Hachiko…Please don’t give up – you are a strong and beautiful woman… you just need to believe that and I know you’ll find the inner strength to turn this situation around…I for one… half a world away, believe in you.

Much Love …………………….. Julienne x