Former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh has issued a fiery response to a social media troll who criticised her for not spending Mother's Day with her young children. The 34-year-old reality television personality took to Instagram on Monday to share a series of photographs from her younger sister Lydia's 30th birthday celebration, which was designated as an adults-only event.
Celebration Sparks Unwanted Criticism
While Lucy and her fiancé, actor Ryan Thomas, 41, enjoyed some rare time away from parenting duties to celebrate the milestone occasion, one follower questioned her decision to be apart from her son Roman, six, and daughter Lilah, three, on the special day. The commenter wrote: 'So u spent Mother’s Day without your children?' before adding: 'Poor kids spent the day without their mum on Mother’s Day and were at their auntie and uncle’s house instead not quite the same…I know it was Lucy’s sisters 30th but why couldn’t they have a joint celebration??'
Fierce Response and Fan Support
Lucy responded directly to the criticism with a pointed remark: 'I really selfishly went to my sisters 30th birthday'. Her fans quickly rallied to her defence in the comments section, with one supporter writing: 'Some people are horrible. You're a great mum x'. Another added: 'There's always one. Do better', while a third commented: 'Disappointing that this unnecessary comment came from a woman. God forbid a woman has a life outside of motherhood. I bet you wouldn’t shame a man in this way.'
Health Struggles and Recovery
The incident comes as Lucy continues to recover from laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, which she underwent in November last year. She has been suffering with symptoms from what she describes as the 'awful' condition for several years before finally deciding to have the procedure, which removes as much of the endometrial tissue as possible.
Lucy previously explained that she had delayed having the surgery because she felt her symptoms were not 'as bad as other people's'. She also admitted to experiencing significant anxiety about both the procedure itself and the recovery process. 'One of the anxieties I had about the surgery was not knowing how that day looked and going into it completely blind, I found that really intimidating,' Lucy told her Instagram followers.
Symptoms and Diagnosis Journey
The television personality revealed that her symptoms included 'fatigue, bloating, constipation and back pain', but noted that these didn't feel as severe as other sufferers who experience 'awful, crippling period pains and fertility issues.' Lucy received her endometriosis diagnosis in early 2024, revealing that her symptoms had 'really affected her' since giving birth to her daughter Lilah, who is now three years old.
The mother of two expressed surprise at the diagnosis because her symptoms didn't include the period pain and fertility issues typically associated with endometriosis. She explained that she eventually reached a breaking point, stating: 'I've had enough. It felt like time to do something for me.'
Lifestyle Management and Ongoing Challenges
Lucy has been managing her condition through lifestyle changes, noting: 'I eat well, I exercise, I've tried to make changes to my lifestyle and yes it helps when I don't eat processed food.' She added: 'When I look after myself my symptoms are better and I have a slight relief but I'm at the point where I can't physically live like that every single moment of every day.'
The star captioned her Instagram post from her sister's birthday celebration: 'Best weekend celebrating @lydiameck Happy 30th squids!!!', highlighting the positive family occasion that unfortunately attracted unwarranted criticism about her parenting choices on a day meant to celebrate mothers.
