Anorexia is a powerful and terrifying mental illness that kills one in five of its victims.

Last spring it took hold of our daughter Daisy, just before her thirteenth birthday.

For more than six months we fought it as best we could, often feeling as though we were fighting Daisy at the same time.

In October 2017, Daisy stopped eating altogether. 

Within days she was in hospital, attached to a drip and a heart monitor. For nearly two weeks she was force-fed through a tube.

Luckily, a place soon became available for Daisy in the youth psychiatric unit at the hospital.

With the tireless help of some wonderful people, Daisy managed to face up to the malicious and persistent bullies in her own head several times a day for ten long months.

She often said she felt like a young giraffe approaching the water, seeing a crocodile just below the surface, and forcing herself to drink anyway - even as it was attacking her.

This September, Daisy is going back to school. It’s not over, but she has started to claim her life back.

Fortunately we live in Belgium, where the healthcare is excellent. I hate to think what could have happened otherwise.

Coming from the UK, though, we are well aware that many people in a similar situation just don’t get the help they need, often with devastating consequences.

Beat do invaluable work to help end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.

Please support them.

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