* all donations go direct to BEAT* 

In July of 2018 we will be embarking on a South American adventure. Starting in Lima, Peru, we will travel down the country whilst walking a number of challenging treks and trails including the Volcano Misti and the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek is a five day walk progressing through multiple eco systems including Cloud forests, glaciers and the mountain tops of the Andes. Reaching a staggering 20,000 feet high (higher than Everest base camp)  the walk is set to be a challenge of which we are excited to undertake. 

Along the way we endeavour to blog about our experiences, whilst talking openly about mental health in an aim to raise awareness. Together we will be filming daily videos and updates that we hope will inspire, inform and motivate others. 

We have both suffered from serious mental health difficulties in recent years, accumulating to a number of hospital admissions where we met 2 years ago. Anorexia has stolen a significant part of our teenagers years, however we both passionately believe that it should not form a barrier to our future. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate out of any mental illness, but we want to show others that recovery is possible and in doing so you  will open the doors to a multitude of amazing experiences. 

Additionally we would like to highlight the positive effects that adventure and exploration can have on your overall mental wellbeing. Whilst day patients we discussed our shared dreams to travel, both knowing it would only ever be possible with full recovery. It provided us with much needed inspiration to help us continue on the darkest of days. We are now delighted to be in a position where we can embark on our travels and help others in the process, without it being detrimental to our wellbeing. It is so humbling to be able to look back at our progress and where we both began our journeys and feel truly proud. 

Just recently we were both consumed by a life threatening illness, the challenge of recovery too frightening to fully pursue. However, with the support of our incredible families and friends as well as professionals within mental health services, we have made significant improvements towards our desired goal of full recovery.

We endeavour to advocate that full recovery is possible, whilst educating others on the issues faced by those with eating disorders and mental health conditions. We know all too well how isolating mental illness can be. Whilst in the depths of your disorder, it very often feels like no-one can understand or help. Through talking openly about our experiences, we aim to show people that they certainly are not alone, and most importantly, there is hope. 

Mental illness is still regrettably a taboo issue, such stigmas prevents people from receiving help they so desperately need. One of the biggest misconceptions about eating disorders is that to suffer you have to be drastically underweight, thin or following an extreme diet, however this is simply not the case. We want to show that not only anyone can suffer from a mental illness, but most importantly anyone with the right help, support and motivation and reach a full recovery. 

The main aim of this expedition is to raise money for an eating disorder charity close to our hearts. BEAT has helped our families during our difficult times. However, we are all too aware of how their work is confined to the generosity of the donations they receive. With more funding we hope that they will be able to help and guide more families just like they did for us. As a result we have ambitious fundraising targets. 

Any donations will be greatly received. We both cannot empathise how important our chosen charity is. 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental illness, if it is not you, it may be a family member or friend. Mental illnesses do not discriminate. 

With our NHS being chronically over stretched and under funded, it is now more important than ever that we support our charities that go above and beyond to help not only sufferers, but also their families and communities.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our journey and upcoming adventures. Your donations big or small will together make a monumental difference. 

Best wishes, 

Liz and Laz.