In 2009, with no financial support, Leigh and her team of volunteers organised the first ever Eating Disorders Health Conference in the North West at Liverpool John Moores University to raise awareness.

She brought together health professionals, sufferers, and carers in a collaborative way and was thrilled when Professor Janet Treasure OBE, and Professor Simon Gowers, two of the country’s leading Eating Disorders specialists participated in this event. Dr Sandeep Ranote, an eminent psychiatrist specialising in Eating Disorders also supported the event and has continued to be a tremendous ally to TEDS.

The conference was an outstanding success and has now become an annual event attracting specialists in the field of Eating Disorders who share their expertise in order to help anyone affected by the illness.

Children and Young Persons Eating Disorders Pathway

Following the first conference, Leigh met with key staff from NHS Services over a 2 year period, looking at improving children’s services in the city. This has resulted in the further development of a Children and Young Persons ED pathway, which is now in place in every GP system in Liverpool.