I’m running this year’s Manchester Marathon in aid of Beat, the eating disorders charity.

Although I don’t have first-hand experience, I’ve witnessed the pain and distress eating disorders can cause. At their worst, they can consume someone’s formative years by dominating their daily thoughts, distorting their self-image, weakening their physical health and straining their relationships with others.

The all consuming nature of EDs means that treatment and recovery can be a long process, raising funds is therefore vital in supporting people struggling, and their families, throughout.

As well as raising money to support the charity, it would be great to bring awareness to a disorder that is largely misunderstood.

Freddie Flintoff’s BBC documentary about his struggles with bulimia highlighted that many who suffer are those we would least expect, as the stigma involved can prevent people from opening up.

You’ll be helping to fund Beat (Formerly Eating Disorders Association); every donation will help. Thank you in advance for contributing to this cause which means a lot to me.

Beat is the UK's eating disorder charity. Our purpose is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. We do this by working directly with sufferers and their families, and by using that experience to highlight the challenges they face and campaign for change.

Our vision is a society where people with eating disorders experience care and understanding, and where they can quickly access treatment that supports a rapid and sustained recovery.