“A calm, absolute certainty that I was going to die”
Food identity Mandy Hall opens up about a health issue that rocked her to the core, forcing a complete overhaul in the way she views food and movement.
Mandy Hall has worked around the pillars of food and health for years. Appearing on MasterChef in 2019, she’s since worked in the industry – a fervent champion for fermentation who went on to direct a campaign surrounding food waste.
Last year, her career was thriving, her household was busy – and she was exhausted.
“The kind of exhaustion that makes you feel like your nervous system has been left switched on for months with no off button,” Mandy says.
In SALIFE’s Health & Wellness issue, on sale during March, Mandy opens up about a potentially life-threatening blockage in her heart, for which she ignored the warning signs.
Mandy tells her story to urge more people – especially women – to heed her message and listen to what their bodies are telling them.
Mandy spent the first part of 2025 knowing something was off, but throwing herself into more workouts as a solution.
“I convinced myself this was fitness related, or lung related, or motivation related. Anything other than heart related. I know better. That part still makes me wince.”
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Then, come Easter, it all imploded.
“On Easter Saturday, I woke with an overwhelming sense of dread. Not anxiety. Not nerves. Dread. A calm, absolute certainty that I was going to die. I am not exaggerating – I was convinced.
“Naturally, my response was to plan lunch.”
For the full story, pick up SALIFE’s March issue at newsagents and supermarkets from next week.
