Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Some people here will know that I have been running for several years now, having hated it for most of my life, I suddenly became quite passionate about it. I've run all sorts of distances, including a 40 mile Ultra-marathon and a half ironman. But I haven't run for over  year, following post viral fatigue, after a bout of whooping cough. It's really upsetting me that I can't run, and I have made a few sorties this year that have tired me a bit. I'm very keen not to relapse into PVF, it wasn't at all fun.

I can also say that I ran Every Day in May five years ago, and it was a huge commitment, in both time, and mental and physical energy. I haven't done it since, despite CLEAR opportunity and love of running, because it really is a significant challenge to commit to. I want to commit to it this year, because the cause we're raising for is really important to me. I am committing to walking for 30 minutes every day, but I hope to add a small, and manageable amount of running in that as well.

It's hard getting your head around an eating disorder, moreso if you've never suffered from one. Some people can't control how much they eat, and over-eat a lot. Other people have far too much control over how much they eat, and they don't eat enough to sustain their bodies. In the instance of my friend's daughter, she was incredibly gifted, quite brilliant - how this wonderful mind still managed to go down this pathway is a mystery that destroys us all. Maddy was so smart and had so much to offer, and every word about her fulfilled life, at her very beautiful funeral, added extra pain to the loss she left behind. I also haven't ever lost a child. I saw this picture of a sculpture called "Melancholie" in Geneva, and it made me think that this is a good depiction of grief. So I include that. 

So, I'm raising money for the charity Beat, which helps people with eating disorders. I'd be very grateful for any words of encouragement throughout May, to help me along my journey, and any spare pennies that you could afford to give.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.