I am very lucky to have been granted a place in the 2024 London Marathon to run in support of Mind - the mental health charity. I am so excited, and slightly nervous, given there is only 8 weeks left to go until the event! This is a bucket list opportunity for me - for a cause that is so very close to my heart. I think that this might be a good place to share my story and lived experience in the hope that this may help you, or anyone who is reading this; you are not alone, and there is always hope to keep on going, there is always a good thing coming for you!

I was 16 when I was diagnosed with an eating disorder, which resulted in a lengthy inpatient stay at a specialist unit, 3 hours from home. My time and journey there was unpleasant - I was so unwell and desperately needed the help, but was also subject to brutal restraints, multiple times a day. I was in Year 11 at the time and sat all 22 of my GCSE exams from the unit, whilst struggling with my eating disorder and high levels of self-harm. I was really stuck and couldn't see a way out of the circle I was trapped in - in hindsight, I could quite easily still be an inpatient now, and I know this will be the case for young people in inpatient units all over the country. They were very dark days, but I met so many inspirational young people who are so very successful now. And how lucky I am to have a supportive family, my loving parents and brother there to pick me up during those hard times. I know it wasn't easy for them either, and there really are no words I can say to summarise just how grateful I am for their unconditional love and support. They have always been by my side.

But my story didn't end trapped in my illness - I worked hard and was discharged and returned back home, which was not without difficulty. We welcomed our gorgeous golden retriever, Ooty, into our family - who I love with all my heart! I studied hard for my A Levels, earned myself a place at Bristol Medical School and am now in my 3rd Year. I am living my life - I am settled, and I am happy. I play piano again, and I can run without a voice there telling me to sprint faster or run further. Life is so much better than I ever thought it could have been - and I'm so glad that I stuck with my recovery and fought the battle to get where I am today. There are bad days, yes, but I have the tools I need to get through these (cue With A Little Help From My Friends by the Beatles...). I feel so privileged to be running for Mind - running has changed my life and I could write forever and ever about how much I love it. But that would get boring and I'm aware of how long this is already...haha.

Mind is fighting to create lives for those affected by mental health difficulties all over the nation. They are an amazing charity - if you are able, and perhaps if sharing my story has shown what life after mental illness can look like, please consider donating to my page today. It would mean the world (and more...) to me. I'll stop writing now...thank you for reading, supporting, and (hopefully) donating. Be brave, and be kind, always!

Thank you!

Ella xxx