I am fundraising for Beat, the UK's 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 and backgrounds, and up to one in four sufferers are male. Eating disorders cost the UK's economy £16.8 billion each year.

Beat has offered myself, friends and family support and well researched information for many years. I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa when I was 18. Beat's awareness campaigns meant my teachers knew the signs and reported them to the school councilor. Their support of research meant my doctor knew how to care for me while I waited 5 months for my referral. Their website showed me and my family we were not alone; connected us to information and people with similar experiences.

Beat are still in need of support to continue reducing stigma, cut referral times and improve our understanding of eating disorders. There are people suffering today who are turned away for not being sick enough or being too sick to help. This must not continue, eating disorders do not discriminate, but they do kill.