24 June 2023 , 13:43
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Gemma Oaten was randomly reunited with the woman who she believes "saved" her life during a random encounter on holiday in Mallorca.
The ex-Emmerdale actress, 39, posted four photos of herself with Joyce from West End Child Adolescent and Family Service in Hull, who had treated her when she was at her lowest ebb nearly three decades ago.
She explained to her 28,000 followers that Joyce had recognised her as she was looking for a sun lounger by a hotel pool, she described in heartbreaking detail why the kind mental health specialist means to much to her.
Writing on Instagram, she explained: "With that I felt incapable of drawing breath. Then I found myself holding her tight & quietly sobbing into her chest. Just like I had 28yrs ago.
"Joyce looked after me when she was a carer at the unit I was admitted to with #anorexia at 11yrs old & given 24hrs to live.
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Gemma had a chance encounter with a nurse she credits for saving her life (Instagram)
Gemma admits she sobbed during the emotional reunion (Instagram)"A place that many who were meant to be helping me, treated me like I was nothing. Treated in a barbaric way, doing more harm then good.
"One time, I wasn't allowed to ring my parents to say goodnight as a punishment for losing weight that day. I was 11yo, on bed rest, 24hr watch & the 1 thing that helped me sleep was hearing my parents tell me they loved me.
"Joyce was on watch that night & came to my bed, as I sobbed in her arms. She then led me quietly to the office & let me call home.”
Gemma still recognises Joyce with her awareness and charity work to this day (Instagram)Gemma added: "I'll never forget it, & to this day when I do my public speaking & work with @seedsupportuk I tell the story of Joyce whose kindness I believe kept me alive."
Thankfully for Gemma her parents pulled her out of the unit, but it meant she hadn't had a chance to say thank you to Joyce for her small act of kindness – although she pays tribute to her every time she is asked to deliver a public talk on behalf of her charity, SEED.
Gemma has been very open about her eating disorder struggle. The actress, who played Rachel Breckle in the ITV soap, has also suffered from bulimia, which caused irreparable damage to the enamel on her teeth after stomach acid and bile began to erode them.
She admitted: "To think that [you could lose your teeth] is not something you even want to contemplate. An eating disorder is very manipulative and makes you feel ashamed.
"I felt disgusting and I was made to feel disgusting by my dentist when I was younger after the acid eroded my teeth."
Last August she showed off a new set of veneers on GB News. Sharing a pic of her new gleaming white smile, she tweeted: "Finally after 17 years. I have my smile back!"
For help and support on eating disorders contact Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0677.
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