Paige Bloom

September 2007

Before the MEND Programme food was an ensuing battle for the Bloom family, with Mrs Bloom constantly having to say 'no' to unhealthy foods - and Paige not wanting to listen!  “I had enough.   I was fed up of always arguing with Paige about food and having to buy bigger and bigger clothes to fit her," reveals Mrs bloom, who signed up to the MEND Programme after seeing it advertised in a local Southgate paper. 

Paige admits she would scream at meals and hated her mom telling her what to do even though all she ate was white bread sandwiches, sugary drinks and other MEND-Unfriendly food.   However things improved very quickly, once she started the 10-week programme.  “I learnt all about fats, sugars and the importance of exercise.  Now, I eat brown rice, pasta, semi-skimmed milk and other MEND-Friendly foods – and mum doesn't even have to force me," she says.

Paige is delighted with impact the programme has had on her life.  “I can fit into last year's school uniform, feel more in control and confident and lots of people tell me that I look better - this makes me very happy."  However, she reveals that on her first day on the programme she felt a bit nervous about seeing new people as she worried that they would not like her.  Fortunately, having her mum attend the sessions gave her the confidence she needed to see it through.  Now, the thing that she misses most of all about the Programme is her new MEND friends. 

Mrs Bloom is truly amazed, “I had tried so many other things and nothing had ever worked."  Since the MEND Programme there have been real changes in Paige, which have helped to reduce the friction at home.  “She is not as argumentative as before, is far more confident and happier – her teacher even noticed the changes.   Not only that, but her thyroid function has also improved," explains this proud mother.