A MUM who could not eat for seven years due to a rare stomach condition had to be weaned back onto food "like a baby" after having a gastric pacemaker fitted.

Leanne Willan was born with gastroparesis — a paralysis of the stomach — and was sick almost every day of her life until her diagnosis nine years ago.

She was tube fed for seven years by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) before having a major operation to have a "life changing" pacemaker fitted to her abdomen, which produces electric shocks to stimulate her stomach into working.

The 32-year-old decided to speak about her experience after reading in The Bolton News about Nicola Nichols who was unable to eat her own wedding breakfast because of the same condition.

Mrs Willan, who has a 10-year-old daughter Faith with husband Paul, said: "I understand more that anyone how Nicola feels because that was me nine years ago.

"I had a gastric pacemaker fitted in 2008 and it has been life changing. It took about three years to work properly but it was totally worth it.

"When I came out of the operating theatre I was given soup and a bread roll but it was really hard to eat — It's like I had lost the taste for food and I had to be weaned back onto it like a baby. But I persevered and it has paid off.

"I still have lapses from time to time and if I get a bug it really knocks me back, but I do feel really lucky I can eat again."

Mrs Willan, who barely used to leave the house, is now following her dream of studying art and fashion at Bolton College.

She has designed a dress made of food wrappers to represent her journey and raise awareness about the condition.

She said: "At one stage I was so ill doctors thought I was going to die and I was even referred to receive palliative care, so for me to be where I am now is amazing. I feel so lucky.

"I carry a photo of me everywhere from when I was ill in hospital just to remind me how far I've come, although I find it hard to look at because it brings back so many awful memories.

"My husband and daughter have been amazing support, as have my friends. It has been hard but I feel like I finally have my life back."

Mrs Willan is raising money for the Gastroparesis and Intestinal Failure Trust by organising an evening of clairvoyance hosted by Bolton medium David Taylor.

The event will take place on May 30 at The Queens pub in Bradley Fold. Tickets are £10. Call 07718 373452 to book.