Listen: from desperate mum to Mental Health advocate

When Lynn Crilly’s 13-year-old daughter developed Anorexia Nervosa and OCD, her world changed overnight.

Despite exploring every avenue for help, Lynn found that the support available simply wasn’t right for her daughter or for her family. As she watched her daughter “disappear before her eyes” and witnessed the devastating impact the illness was having on the whole family – particularly her twin sister – Lynn made it her mission to understand eating disorders and mental illness.

Driven by determination, love and the need to save her daughter, Lynn educated herself, retrained as a counsellor and transformed one family’s crisis into a lifelong mission to help others.

Today, after years of hard work, countless tears and unwavering support from family, friends, their GP and school, Lynn’s daughter has made a full recovery and is enjoying life to the fullest. The experience has left the family stronger than ever and inspired Lynn to dedicate her career to supporting others facing similar battles.

Aston spoke to Lynn Crilly.