Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am raising money for Beat to bring more awareness to those who suffer with eating disorders, an overwhelmingly growing number throughout the world.

Here is my story as a survivor of anorexia nervosa and my reasons for raising money for this amazing charity.

At the age of 14 I was beginning to become uncomfortable with my body and I can remember specifically a day after my 14th birthday where I was becoming conscious of the way I looked. From then on I went on a diet to have more of a healthy lifestyle and overtime I developed a need for more and more control over my food I did this through cutting out food and reducing my liquid  intake as a means of losing weight. I reached my Lowpoint just after I did my mock exams for my GCSEs where I lost about half a stone in just a week and my health was at risk. I  remember being cold and disorientated. I didn't know where or who I was, I had completely lost touch with reality. As a result of being so malnourished and underweight, I was admitted to an eating disorder hospital where I was to spend three months of my life. Here I faced some of my hardest challenges, facing 'fear' foods and battling my own mind and body. The importance of this treatment was to help me regain the weight that I had in order to save my life. 

My doctors bluntly stated to me that if I didn’t begin to eat my body would continue to shut down and I would inevitably lose my life to this disorder. This wake up call sparked my determination in recovery. Over those intense three months I became stronger, healthier and more like myself again.

Following this admission I had several relapses, one of which I experienced during my first year of university. However despite this I never gave up in my fight against my eating disorder.

Now I'm in my second year and continue to overcome all of the emotional and physical hurdles I face. I have become more accepting of my body and have regained my outgoing and bubbly nature. I nourish my body now instead of destroying it and I have come very long way both mentally and physically. As a result of my experiences I feel it’s essential for me to raise money for to thank those who inevitably saved my life. Therefore through shaving my head I feel I’ll be able to learn to love myself by no longer trying to fit the conventional idea of what makes someone beautiful. I aim to show others who are struggling, that it is so important to love who you are. Everyone is worthy of self love and accept that you are a beautiful human being. I want to help others who have struggled; are struggling and those who have sadly lost their fight with their eating disorder. 

 5 years on I am strong, my body is strong and I am motivated to conquer my fitness goals. Looking after your body is essential for mental and physical growth. To all those who think recovery is impossible, it is worth the fight and learning to love the your body and accept who you are is a life changing experience!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.