Dame Mary Berry, a well-known star from the Great British Bake Off, recently opened up about the lasting impact of a childhood illness she faced. This renowned figure in the culinary world discovered her love for cooking and baking in her 20s while studying at the prestigious Cordon Bleu in Paris during the 1960s. Despite her successful rise to fame, the now 90-year-old TV personality faced a life-threatening illness as a teenager that continues to affect her to this day.
Polio, also known as infantile paralysis, left Dame Mary with some lingering effects, such as a curve in her spine and a slightly affected hand. Reflecting on her experience, she vividly remembered the moment when she was diagnosed with the illness. The nurse covered in masks revealed the shocking news to her, leaving her confused and scared. Luckily, she made a full recovery, but the effects of polio still remain with her.
The UK has not seen a confirmed case of polio since 1984, thanks to the extensive vaccination program in place. While Dame Mary has been able to overcome the illness and continue her successful career, not everyone has been as fortunate. Some individuals have faced severe complications from polio, such as meningitis and encephalitis, while others have tragically lost their lives to the disease. Despite the challenges she has faced, Dame Mary remains a beloved figure in the culinary world, with fans eagerly anticipating her return to television screens.
