Gemma Oaten grateful for inspiring parents after putting them 'through hell'

2 July 2019

Gemma Oaten has thanked her mum for "never giving up" on her, after she "battled to save" the former 'Emmerdale' star's life for 13 years.

Gemma Oaten

The 35-year-old actress suffered from anorexia during her younger years, leading to her mum and dad setting up eating disorder support charity SEED, and Gemma is pleased she can now work alongside her parents to help others after putting them "through hell" as a youngster.

Sharing a picture of herself at a talk while her mum looks on proudly in the background, Gemma wrote on Instagram: "As it's #charitytuesday I wanted to share a couple of stills from me talking about SEED Eating disorders support services last week with Mum and Dad by my side. When you've put your parents through hell and they had to deal with 13 years battling to save my life because of my past eating disorder, not knowing from one week to the next if I'd make it or not ...its a pretty special moment when it comes full circle. The way mum looks at me here fills my heart. We turned it around @margoaten you inspired me and never gave up. Days like this are precious. (sic)"

Gemma - who played Rachel Breckle in 'Emmerdale' - says being a patron of her parents' charity is "everything" to her.

The star - whose weight dropped to just four and a half stone in the height of her anorexia battle - added: "Being patron of SEED is everything to me. Mum and Dad set up a helpline 20 years ago for carers of those affected by eating disorders in the plight that they'd never have to go through what we did. It then became a charity that helped carers and sufferers, not just in Hull, but all over the country and internationally. Every penny counts for us and my fundraising, with the help of others, is vital to keep us going and keep us saving lives. If you'd like to find out more by way of needing help yourself, or to donate please take a look here. https://seedeatingdisorders.org.uk/ have a beautiful day lovelies #charity #eatingdisordersawareness #proud #philanthropist #eatingdisorders #charitytuesday #publicspeaking (sic)"