Freddie Flintoff reveals how he overcame bulimia and depression

CRICKET LEGEND FREDDIE FLINTOFF SAYS MAKING HIMSELF SICK WAS A 'QUICK FIX'

Freddie Flintoff has spoken openly about his battle with bulimia - admitting he used to make himself sick in the middle of cricket games.

Speaking as part of our Body Stories campaign, he revealed that the weight gain during his sporting career left him desperately trying to slim down.

'It got to the point where I had to lose some weight. I wasn't hitting the targets that were set for me, and I thought, 'I want a quick fix’.

'So I'd go out, I'd drink, I'd eat a kebab like the rest of the lads on the way home and then when I got back I'd make myself sick.'

The former England captain admitted that, before he knew it, the habit had taken over and became something he couldn't stop or control.

'It came to the point where I'd come off playing cricket at lunchtime and I'd be straight in the toilet - I'd eat my lunch, throw up, and go and play again'.

Freddie said that it was his wife Rachel who first found out about his eating disorder.

'We were in Dubai and I’d booked us into this nice restaurant. We ordered food. I got a scallop cut up three ways for the starter and then a main. After eating it I went into the toilet and threw up.

'I remember thinking to myself, I’ve just paid like £300 for these meals and I just threw it up in a toilet.

'When I finally told my wife her it was the first time I could talk about it. She helped me and supported me.

'Once I told her, that was the first part in being about to speak about it and ultimately stop doing it.'

If you have experienced mental health problems, we have details of our Lighten The Load campaign and helplines here.