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It's thought that around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, with the figure rising year after year. For many, struggling in secret is a part of their day to day life, and with eating disorders affecting people across a range of weights, ages and genders, it's not always easy to access help or treatment. 

I have been incredibly lucky. After finally reaching out for help, I started my recovery from anorexia with a team of specialists and the full support of my family. It took me a long time to speak out about my issues, I felt very trapped and isolated in the disorder, and couldn't see a way out of it. But thanks to charities such as Beat, I was able to access free support and resources, and stories from other sufferers that made me feel less alone. It's thanks to Beat that I finally got the help that I needed, visited my GP, and can now start to finally live my life without restriction. 

Unfortunately, many sufferers aren't as lucky. Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, through complications of the illness, as well as suicide. Many are isolated and alone, without family or friends. For some, NHS waiting lists make treatment waiting times lengthy, causing the illness to worsen before they are finally able to get help and start to recover. 

Beat provides those in need with support and advice when they need it, without judgement. It is through donations that charities such as Beat can continue to work with those in need. By donating to Beat, the charity can continue to operate its helplines, support groups and CPD training for those in a variety of professions, better raising awareness of such a spectrum of disorders.

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.