In May 2024, I will be running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Beat, the UK‘s leading eating disorder charity.

Beat supports anyone with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care. These serious mental illnesses include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. 1.25 million people in the UK have a diagnosed eating disorder. They affect people of all ages, backgrounds and genders. The Eating Disorders Coalition report that every 62 minutes at least one person loses their life as a direct result of an eating disorder.

From the age of 12/13, I struggled with disordered eating. Eventually, in 2020, I was diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa. Fixation over body image, the pressures of sport and struggling to process traumatic events meant I became trapped in a cycle of restricting, bingeing and purging, all while obsessively over-exercising. My eating disorder gave me a sense of control and allowed me to avoid the emotions I felt unable to cope with, but really the disease had taken over my life. It ruined my relationships and my behaviours hurt people I loved. I was never truly present and all that occupied my mind was food and calories.

In November 2022 I reached breaking point, I was terrified of the grip the illness had on me. I was admitted to Orri as a day patient and gave up my dream job, my sport and, what felt like, any life outside of treatment for the following few months. Recovery has been, and continuous to be, the hardest thing I have ever done, but I really feel that I am getting my life back. Although I have now been discharged from treatment, the voice of the eating disorder is often still very loud and I know maintaining recovery is something I will need to work at forever.

Balancing performance sport and recovery is not easy, but it is possible. After years of punishing my body, I want to celebrate my improved relationship with exercise and the appreciation I now have for the incredible things my body allows me to do - such as running a marathon!

Eating Disorders use shame and guilt to isolate you. Through talking about my experiences of an eating disorder, I hope to break down the stigma and guilt surrounding them and ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.

When I look back to how scared I was in November, I feel so grateful that I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Orri. I would hate for someone else to feel as I did and be unable to access treatment. That is why I am so passionate about raising money for Beat as I know mental health services are massively underfunded. Eating disorders cost the UK's economy £16.8 billion each year. Any contributions will enable Beat to offer helplines, online support groups, and educational resources that empower individuals on their journey towards recovery.

I completed the High Performance London Half Marathon on March 3rd in training for Edinburgh and can assure you that, despite my history of back and hip injuries, I will be doing everything I can to complete the marathon.

Please donate generously towards my target amount of £1,000 for this important cause.

***To provide incentive, the highest donation can choose the outfit/costume I run in!***

***Edit: After an incredible amount of support, I’m going to be more ambitious with my fundraising target for such a meaningful cause. I’m now aiming to raise £2600, £100 for every mile I will be running in the marathon.***

Thank you for your support!