Mother accused of being anorexic after her weight fell to 5st actually has rare disorder that stops her swallowing

Hayley Laughton, 23, from Hull, first developed problems swallowing her food in 2013 and started losing weight. She was referred to an eating disorder service and dietitians while doctors battled to find out what was wrong with her. 



Miss Laughton was hospitalised with severe dehydration (left with son Riley, four) before she was eventually diagnosed with achalasia, a disorder of the oesophagus where the muscles stop working properly. She has now had corrective surgery which has allowed her to eat again and seen her return to a healthy 9.5 stone. 'It's made a real difference and I'm able to eat and drink now, although I still struggle with things like bread,' she said.