60-second surgery

Aug 12 2007 by Pauline Holt, Sunday Sun

Marie Difolco, 39, is the managing director of Stupid Bags Ltd, which specialises in fun bottle and gift bags featuring her character Squiffy. She recently signed a deal with supermarket Morrisons to supply 15,000 "Best Dad" bottle bags. She lives in North Shields, North Tyneside, with partner, Neil.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP FIT?

I used to be a gym-aholic but my partner Neil and I are trying for a baby and I’ve heard a little fat might help us.

DO YOU TAKE ANY VITAMINS OR SUPPLEMENTS?

I’m taking a pre-conception/pregnancy multivitamin that contains 400mg folic acid.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO HAVE MEDICAL TREATMENT?

Unfortunately, quite a bit! I tend to be accident-prone. I came back to the North five years ago following an accident where I fell down stairs, resulting in nerve damage to my right leg. I wore various casts and splints for 18 months. It was during this time that I came up with my business idea.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO DE-STRESS?

Just have a good old-fashioned soak in a hot bath followed by an early night.

YOUR BIGGEST HEALTH VICE?

Chocolate and ice cream. I don’t overdose but I usually have a bit of either every day.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A DIET?

No. I studied eating disorders as part of my degree in politics and psychology and spent some time with patients in a unit in America.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT HEALTH FADS?

No, though I’ve been trying to develop a fad for drinking lots of water for years . . . but I get fed up with looking for a loo everywhere!

YOUR BEST HEALTH TIP?

Everything in moderation.

WHEN DID YOU LAST FEEL AT THE PEAK OF YOUR PERSONAL FITNESS?

When I lived in London before my accident.

DO YOU SUPPORT ANY HEALTH CHARITY?

Children with Leukaemia. I also support Riding for the Disabled. Neil’s mum has been an instructor with them for 15 years.