Hello!! Thank you so much for giving 2 minutes to read about a cause that’s very important to me <3

This year I am running the great North run in support of BEAT.

During my GCSE years I struggled with the feeling of uncertainty brought about by lockdown, which led to me feeling completely out of control in my own life. Hating this feeling I turned to the one thing I could control, my body.

The feeling of relief I got from finally having some stability quickly turned into an obsession, unfortunately leading to me developing anorexia at age 15. Not feeling at home in your own body is a terrifying and very isolating experience that meant my world fell apart very quickly. Anorexia forced me to devote all the dwindling energy I had to controlling my food and exercise meaning there was nothing left for anything else. Where I had once been so excited for life, I became a shell of myself, losing friends and damaging my relationships with everyone I loved. And the worst part? I couldn’t speak to anyone about what was going on, the anorexia voice was so vicious I felt silenced by it.

Unfortunately, with most NHS mental health services, ED services are severely underfunded meaning even as I got more unwell I, like many others, slipped through the gap. This is where BEAT comes in, they are fantastic charity that caught me when I was at my most unwell, providing a safe and judgement free space where I felt I could talk about what I was going through for the first time ever.

Committing to recovery was one of the hardest things I have ever done, it goes against everything your ED tells you. It was also the best thing I have ever done, and it got me my life back. Recovery was a long slow process to repairing not only my relationship with food and exercise but also about making myself feel safe in my mind again, but I am lucky enough to have BEAT, to thank for supporting me through it.

BEAT is often the first place people come to when concerned about themselves or a loved one, and their education campaign and phone/chat networks support any of the estimated 1.25 million people in the UK with an eating disorder who needs it. They receive no government funding which is why fundraising is so crucial.

I am also lucky enough to have found a community in rowing that has taught me the importance of fuelling properly and has a positive attitude towards food and body image that has gone a long way in helping me <3 if any of these girls are reading this thank you doesn’t even begin to cover it x

Anorexia, and all eating disorders, are a serious mental illness that can make it very easy to feel hopeless. But thanks to BEAT, I can now say proudly 3 years into recovery that I am running the great north run to hopefully raise some much needed funds so they can continue their vital work, because no one deserves to go through an eating disorder alone. and hopefully to show that a life in recovery is always worth the fight <3

Any donations are much appreciated :)

Mia xx

A word from BEAT

Beat is the UK's eating disorders charity. We exist to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. We are a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.