Dame Mary Berry, the beloved former host of Great British Bake Off, has shared a deeply personal and tragic reason behind her slim figure, linking it to the devastating loss of her son. In a heartfelt revelation at The Oldie magazine lunch held at the National Liberal Club, the 90-year-old culinary icon explained how a family tragedy profoundly impacted her weight and lifestyle.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Mary Berry and her husband, Paul Hunnings, faced unimaginable grief when their son, William, died in a car crash in 1989 at the age of 19. Reflecting on this painful event, Dame Mary stated, 'We lost a son, and after that we lost weight and I have stayed that way.' This admission sheds light on how personal sorrow can lead to lasting physical changes, with the star noting that not a day goes by without thinking of her late son.
Coping with Grief and Family Support
The accident occurred while William was visiting home from Bristol University, and Mary has spoken openly about the coping mechanisms that helped her through this dark period. She counted herself fortunate to have two other children, Annabel and Thomas, to care for, which provided a sense of purpose and distraction. In interviews, such as with Radio Times, she expressed, 'I think of William everyday. Of course I do. And if he were to walk through that door over there, I would say, "Where the hell have you been?"' This ongoing remembrance highlights the enduring impact of such a loss.
Views on Weight-Loss and Lifestyle
During the conversation, Dame Mary also offered her thoughts on modern weight-loss trends, particularly weight-loss drugs. She remarked, 'I am rather amused by all these things you can have done with injections.' Instead, she emphasised a more traditional approach to maintaining her figure, explaining that she is careful about her diet but still enjoys food. 'I am pretty careful and really enjoy my food. I have learned – no second helpings,' she added, underscoring a balanced and mindful eating habit that has contributed to her slim appearance over the years.
Family Dynamics and Marriage Secrets
Mary Berry has been married to Paul Hunnings since 1966, and she attributes their long and happy union to avoiding arguments. She shared, 'If any disagreements come up, I open the back door and just go out and maybe pick some flowers or get some apples. It's amazing if you can walk away.' This philosophy of patience and space has helped them navigate life's challenges, including the tragedy of losing their son.
Recalling the Tragic Day
In a poignant recount on the Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast, Mary detailed the day of the accident, revealing that her daughter Annabel was also in the car. She recalled, 'He asked if he could borrow a sports car, which he was insured for, and I said "You ask your dad." Anyway, he took his sister with him, and he just drove too fast, which was so unlike him.' William was described as reliable, making the loss even more shocking for the family.
Finding Solace in Kindness and Activity
After the tragedy, Mary and her husband received an outpouring of support, with 400 letters from well-wishers. She mentioned, 'I replied to them over the months. It's sometimes quite nice when you're thinking to pick out one, of people giving a little story about him (William).' To cope, they kept busy, with Mary initially hesitant to return to her work in London, focusing instead on family and gratitude for their remaining children. This resilience and community support played a crucial role in their healing process.
