Susan Quinn
Sue's London Marathon Page
Fundraising for Beat
Story
I always said I would never run a marathon but there had always been a bit of me that would love to be part of the London Marathon. So in 2019 I signed up for the 2020 London Marathon with Beat a charity that were supporting our family through a very challenging and scary time.
Three years on we have come out the other side of the nightmare of an eating disorder. However, I know from the people that have reached out to me for support and advice over the last few years that there are many still suffering. I always direct them to Beat, the UK's eating disorders charity, they were the first place we turned to for support and their help was invaluable.
When I finally get to run the London marathon with 40,000 or so others it will actually now be my second marathon having completed the 2020 race virtually supported by many amazing family and friends but I am proud to be continuing to support Beat.
Beat predict 1.25 million people are affected by these serious mental illnesses. Sadly anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
Eating disorders do not affect one specific group of people and there is no one single cause. However the most common age of onset is during adolescence - girls and young women aged 12-20 are most at risk and symptoms are first recognised under the age of 16 in 62% of cases. 61% of those that Beat’s helpline supports are aged 25 or under.
Beat run phone and email helplines 365 days a year for anyone who needs it, but they cost £1200 per day.
I am privileged to be part of Team Beat so please help us raise money and awareness so that they can continue with their amazing work.
