I am running the Chested 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon for BEAT!

Why?

BEAT is a charity that I feel extremely passionate about and has helped me massively over the last 8 years. There is no cause I would rather raise money for. Since I was 15, it has been a constant resource for me, allowing me to feel less alone all throughout my teenage years and into early adult hood. I have used their chat rooms to chat to others struggling and the awareness they raise and the work they do is invaluable. I have even taken part in research projects for them to help be a small part of better understanding the development of eating disorders. Anorexia is the mental illness with the highest mortality rate and BEAT is aiming to help those before it gets to that point. I am very lucky to be on the other side of it and to not be part of a statistic but sadly, there are many who are failed by the current way eating disorders are treated and diagnosed. Their research is vital and their activism means diagnoses are made earlier and rules surrounding people with eating disorders getting the help they need are beginning to change. It is truly scary to see the world that younger generations are entering into as it seems that social media is taking my quite a nasty turn with the perpetuation of unhealthy habits and trends regarding food, weight and image, especially for young women. Even after a year of trying my hardest, it does feel like we are entering quite a toxic time and I find myself being affected despite how much progress I’ve made. I want to show my support for BEAT and show that your appearance is the least interesting thing about you. My life has become infinitely richer since I chose to recover and I have done so many things I never thought I would do when I was ill. The ability to run, dance, laugh, go on holiday, work and have fun is something I will never take for granted and is far more valuable to me now than anything else. Hopefully I can make people proud and prove to myself how far I have come and the strength I have built.

I am choosing to run as it has been an absolute rock for me over the years. I love being outdoors and think being in nature has been a huge factor in my recovery. I started running in lockdown but it was an exercise I used to abuse. I would be so under fuelled that it’s no wonder I have seen massive progress in it since my health has improved. In 2024, I joined a run club and committed to my running training which has helped me in more ways than I can say. My running progress has brought me so much happiness recently and being part of a run club has given me something to look forward to each week as well as increasing my confidence and bringing new friends into my life which I previously believed not possible for me. Running the Chester Triple will be a big challenge but I can’t reassure people enough that it is coming from a place of growth for me. I have already completed the 10km and the half marathon, and got PBs in both! My marathon training has been going really well too and I am feeling nervous but excited to race. It is something I wouldn’t have been well enough to do a few years ago and completing it will be a massive milestone for me. :)

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Beat (Formerly Eating Disorders Association) and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Beat (Formerly Eating Disorders Association): 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.

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me along the way. From my family and friends who have kept me alive and made me see that I am loved and important without my ED. To colleagues who didn’t even realise that a kind word had made my day and made me feel supported even at my worst. To the doctors, therapists and support staff that have tirelessly taken time to look after me. And to everyone along the way who has played a part, even if you don’t realise it, you have. This is for all of you!

I am so so excited!!!