For those of you that know me, I've been through a lot in the past few years personally and it's been a very hard struggle to just keep going day-to-day. I've been a runner for many years and it's always helped my mental health, but it's had to take a backseat for the past couple of years as I have had to stop everything and make my daughter my #1 priority as she was diagnosed with anorexia. You have to sacrifice your life to care for your child, as any parent would do.

We noticed something was not quite right with Jennifer two years ago and her personality changed, she become more and more introverted, her social anxiety rocketed and her eating stopped as she tried to get a control of her life pre-lockdown. She was in and out of QEU hospital (once was our choice, once wasn't) and her weight plummeted. The staff there was fantastic and sat with her to help her try, but Jennifer often refused food and a mealtime in hospital could take 1-2 hours. She eventually had to be moved to being tube-fed and this is not something a parent wants to witness.

Jennifer got better after three very long weeks in hospital, with me sleeping by her side every night, and is on the road to recovery through a strict routine that has, without a doubt, saved her life. It has been her family and friends that have brought her through the last two years, rather than the additional 'help' of CAMHS, which actually set her back severely!

I am running the marathon to raise funds for BEAT because I believe that more people need to be aware of how devastating this disorder is. It is the mental illness with the highest death rate and it needs incredible dedication and help to beat it. More people need to be aware of the signs early, need to look for triggers and need to know what to do, what to say, how to act and (most importantly) how to cope and look after themselves whilst they help their child go through this horrible disorder.

Again, for those that know me, when I do something - I commit 100% and that was the case when I got my place in the team in January. I then, however, had to deal with my Mum being severely ill and then, sadly, passing so it was May before I could get out running again, then I finally caught Covid and running was out the question due to breathlessness June - Aug. I'm finally back out again for a late burst of fitness, so don't expect a 4-hour time, I'm going for 5 hours 30 mins!

I understand that life is tough for everyone these days with the cost of living crisis, so I do not expect you to be able to contribute much, but anything you can give will be greatly appreciated as it will go to help saving lives.

If you have made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read this.

Have a great day!   :-)

Thanks

David