We have chosen Beat Eating Disorders as our charity of the year because they have helped and supported our work colleagues family member who was affected by an eating disorder.

Eating disorders can cause serious harm and may be fatal anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. But even though they are serious illnesses, eating disorders are treatable.

Beat provides support and guidance for those affected by an eating disorder through its helpline services that are open 365 days a year. Like any other illness, the sooner someone with an eating disorder is treated, the more likely recovery is. The most important thing is getting yourself or the person you're supporting assessed and into treatment as quickly as possible. Beat raises awareness of how to spot the common signs and symptoms of eating disorders and provides training for school-based professionals and health care professionals so that more people can get help and support earlier.

We are fundraising to raise enough money to pay for Beat to run 1 course, to train up to 20 school-based professionals, and send out communications to all GP practices in our local area.