Alison Hammond has shared the emotional moment her late mother urged her to lose weight, a plea that fundamentally changed the TV presenter's life. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, the 51-year-old recalled the heartbreaking conversation she had with her mother Maria, who was battling lung and liver cancer before her death in January 2020.
Mother's Urgent Plea
Hammond, known for her roles on This Morning and The Great British Bake Off, revealed that her mother, who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, had never previously commented on her weight. However, while in hospital, Maria delivered a poignant message that would alter the course of her daughter's life.
"I'll never forget when my mum when she was really ill in hospital, I'll never forget the day when she looked at me, and she's never commented on my weight in my whole life," Hammond recalled. "And she said, 'Alison, don't end up like me, try and sort out your weight.'"
The Day That Changed Everything
At the time, Hammond weighed 30 stone. The comment from her mother, whom she described as her "core values and everything," proved to be a turning point. "That's the day I changed," she said. The presenter emphasised that the advice was delivered with love, adding: "If it's done in love, and you can see someone genuinely loves you and wants the best for you, and wants you to start loving yourself, honestly it meant so much to me."
Hammond has been refreshingly open about her subsequent health transformation, which saw her shed an incredible 11 stone after receiving a pre-diabetes diagnosis. Her weight loss journey has inspired many viewers and followers, as she has shared updates on her diet and exercise regimen.
Health Transformation Journey
The star's decision to prioritise her health came not only from her mother's warning but also from a medical wake-up call. A pre-diabetes diagnosis prompted her to take action, leading to a significant lifestyle overhaul. Through a combination of balanced eating and regular physical activity, Hammond achieved a dramatic reduction in weight, improving her overall well-being and reducing her risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Her mother Maria had also battled Type 2 diabetes before her death, a condition that can often be managed or prevented through lifestyle changes. Hammond's transformation serves as a powerful testament to the impact of early intervention and the importance of heeding health warnings from loved ones.
Tribute to a Beloved Mother
Hammond announced her mother's death on Valentine's Day 2020, having laid her to rest the day before. In a heartfelt tribute on social media, she wrote: "Today I dedicate Valentine's Day to my beautiful, wonderful Mother Maria who passed away from liver and lung cancer. Yesterday my family and I celebrated her amazing life and laid her to rest in a beautiful ceremony she would have been proud of."
She continued: "Thank you mummy for giving me the strength to move forward in the knowledge that your ok and with God in Heaven now. I will always remember you and try and make you proud. I love you mum."
On X, formerly Twitter, she added: "I am dedicating this Valentines to my beautiful Mother who sadly passed away from liver and lung cancer. My family and I layed mummy to rest yesterday in a beautiful ceremony which I know she would have loved. RIP my best friend and Living Angel please come to my dreams."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
