This September, I’m running the Berlin Marathon to raise money for Beat - the UK’s leading charity supporting people affected by eating disorders.

At just 18 years old I developed an eating disorder and spent four years battling it. It stole so much from me - my energy, joy and freedom & for a long time, I genuinely couldn't see a way out.

But over the past year and a half, that’s changed. I’ve started to rebuild my relationship with food, with exercise, and most importantly, with myself. I’ve learned that health isn’t about how you look, it’s about how you feel, and how you live.

Running this marathon is a personal milestone. It's a way of reclaiming what I lost and proving to myself, and to others going through similar struggles, that recovery is possible.

Eating disorders affect around 1.25 million people in the UK and have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. Beat provides vital support services - including helplines, online resources, and peer support - but demand is growing fast, and funding is limited.

Any donation, big or small, helps Beat reach more people when they need it most.

Thankyou so much. See you at the finish line <3

Lydia x