Running has always been part of my life.

One of my earliest memories is from prep—winning the school sprint with my broken arm flapping in a sling!

That love for movement sparked a lifelong enjoyment of challenges.

In my 20s, it was long-course triathlons, including qualifying for an ironman. Then came trail running and countless marathons.

Running gave me freedom. It both uplifted and grounded me in mindfulness, and filled me with gratitude and respect for my body; its rhythm, strength, endurance, and resilience. It also connected me with nature and friendships I treasure.

But nothing could have prepared me for the journey that lay ahead.

9.5 years ago, my beautiful daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia. She was only 12yrs old.

What followed were years of unimaginable difficulty—

Long hospitalisations, endless appointments (psychiatrist, psychologist, dietitian, paediatrician and GP) and

24/7 care became our new normal:
6 uncompromising meals and 6 hours of post-meal supervision a day. Constant monitoring, even through the night to ensure no hidden exercise.

Eating Disorders devastatingly infiltrates every part of life—for the person suffering and for those who love them.

For a long time, even with the loving support of family and friends,

I was exhausted—watching my daughter suffer and feeling powerless to change it.
I was literally terrified for her life and felt so isolated by deep stigma and misunderstanding surrounding Eating Disorders, sadly, even amongst health professionals .

Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness

Then I discovered Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA).

The founders of EDFA were literally lifesaving.

EDFA offered compassionate support, practical education and a community of people who understood....

Caring for someone with an eating disorder is relentless.
The severity, intensity and sheer duration is indescribable.

Families are the silent warriors:
Holding everything together.
Advocating. Comforting. Encouraging. Researching.
Standing firm and Stepping bravely forward when it feels impossible... and above all else Loving Unconditionally….

EDFA empowers carers recognizing them as an integral part of the recovery journey.

This Saturday, I’m lacing up my runners—not just for me,
but for EDFA to support every carer who has felt helpless,
every family still fighting in silence
and every person battling their way through an eating disorder.

You are not alone.

As I honour my own goals and dreams I continue to care... both can coincide and both are interchangeably vital on this life journey.

Any spare change would be gratefully received,

In Love Light and Gratitude for your support,

Sarah xoxo