A 12-year-old aspiring footballer has raised thousands of pounds for the NHS mental health service that saved her life.
Halle Morley, from Bury, was aged 11 when her mum, Jemma Morley, noticed a change in her eating habits.
Halle experienced stomach aches and bloating after meals, which led to severe anxiety at mealtimes.
She only ate small portions and foods from a restricted list she deemed "safe".
Jemma arranged for a health assessment, during which a nurse practitioner recommended a referral to mental health services.
She said: "She changed almost overnight.
"At first, we thought it must be a physical problem like irritable bowel syndrome, as she was never concerned about calories or healthy eating.
"We didn’t consider that it could be the early warning signs of a mental health issue."
As Halle's physical condition deteriorated, she lost weight, became malnourished, and her hair started to fall out.
Her heart rate decreased to "dangerous levels", and she began to self-harm, losing all hope of recovery.
Halle was referred to Bury child and adolescent mental health services, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, and was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Her condition included "repetitive and intrusive" fears of vomiting, which caused her to restrict her food choices and portion sizes.
Jemma said: "Halle was unrecognisable from the happy little girl she once was.
"She didn’t smile and didn’t enjoy anything.
"Her emotions were all over the place, and the slightest break to her routine would cause meltdowns and anxiety attacks.
"I was at a complete loss of what to do.
"As a mother I felt powerless and out of control – how could I protect her from thoughts in her own mind?"
Halle had weekly sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy.
Her consultant, Dr Alex Cheung, said: "Obsessive-compulsive disorders in young people can be incredibly challenging because it often interferes with their daily lives, relationships, and ability to engage in normal activities.
"It’s essential to address these issues holistically to support their recovery."
The team used exposure and response prevention therapy in her sessions.
Dr Cheung said: "This approach involves gradually exposing the person to their fears while helping them to resist the compulsive behaviours that follow.
"By doing this, we aim to break the cycle of anxiety and avoidance that keep those symptoms alive."
Knowing Halle’s discomfort in hospital settings, the team made reasonable adjustments to help her feel more at ease.
Dr Cheung said: "We were able to conduct a lot of the sessions in Halle’s home.
"Being in a familiar environment enabled us to build more rapport and increase her willingness to engage with the therapy."
Despite her challenges, Halle was "determined" to go to school and attend her football training sessions as a member of Manchester United’s Girl’s Academy.
The coaching team also worked closely with her doctors to support her recovery.
Almost a year into her recovery, Halle had put on weight, her heart rate had improved, and her hair had started to grow back.
She wanted to give something back to the people who changed her life and decided to raise money for Pennine Care Charity.
Halle chose to do a sunrise hike of Snowdon, with her closest family and friends by her side, and together they raised more than £3,500.
Wes Partington, director of Pennine Care Charity, added: "Halle’s story is truly inspirational, and we are so grateful not only for her donation, but also her determination to raise awareness and help others.
"The money she has raised will benefit other children and young people receiving care and support from local mental health services."
Ms Morley said: “None of this would have been possible without them.
"They’ve truly saved my little girl and brought her back to me.
"I’ll be forever in their debt.
"Raising money for the Pennine Care Charity is the first of many steps that we plan to take to reward the team and the organisation for the remarkable work they do.
"Halle is determined to spread the word and help other children going through difficulties."
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