James Wilkinson
Raising awareness and funds for Beat, the UK's eating disorders charity.
Fundraising for Beat
Story
We all have charities and causes that are important to us. Until recently I knew very little about eating disorders. However, as is the way with life, all that has changed. Someone very special to me is suffering from anorexia and it has opened my eyes and heart to an illness that affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. In fact, Beat estimate that over a million people in the UK suffer from eating disorders. I had no idea how this illness impacts every aspect of a sufferer's life: body, mind and soul. It is a nasty, cruel, vicious disease that without treatment and support can lead to devastating consequences.
Beat is the Uk’s Eating Disorders charity and a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected by eating disorders. They give individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.
Eating disorders are widely misunderstood and stigmatised illnesses. Beat are campaigning for positive change for people who are suffering so that they can get the help they need and deserve as quickly as possible. Beat offers awareness training in schools and workplaces, and a HelpFinder service to help people find treatment in their area.
Eating disorders can be deeply isolating for the people affected by them. Beat’s message boards, online support groups, and regional support services allow people to talk to others with similar experiences, helping them to feel less alone with their eating disorder. Their phone and email helplines run 365 days a year for anyone who needs it. Often when people get in touch it’s the first time they’ve voiced their concerns about themselves or a loved one.
Beat receives no government funding, so they rely on the generosity of their supporters like me to continue their important work. Beat’s essential support services reach out to people each and every day with their helplines, website, self help and support groups and online support. No one should have to face an eating disorder alone.
I have run many races over the last few years and have not previously sought sponsorship. On this occasion, however, I feel deeply motivated to do something to help. If you can make a contribution then please do. However, even if you just read this post and leave the page having learnt a little more about an often neglected subject, I will be very satisfied.
I will match the contributions up to my initial target and I will be able to get matched funding through my employer for my own contribution. In this way, £1,000 from you will be able to grow to £3,000.
You may be wondering just what the Marathon des Sables is. The following is taken from the website.
AN EXTRAORDINARY RACE
FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
IN AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE
The Marathon des Sables is the stuff of legends. It is The Toughest Footrace on Earth (Discovery Channel).
MdS is a truly gruelling multi-stage adventure through a mythical landscape in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments – the Sahara desert. You have to be self-sufficient and carry all your own food and equipment for the week on your back. Communal goat’s-hair Berber tents are pitched every night but, apart from that you have to take it with you. Water is rationed and if you exceed the ration, you get a time penalty.
WHAT WILL YOU FACE?
In just six days you will run over 250km (156 miles) through endless dunes, over rocky jebels, and across white-hot salt plains. The sun will be your constant enemy with temperatures regularly reaching 50 centigrade. The sand will be your constant companion, clouds of it under your feet, sheets of it stinging your eyes and lots of it chafing where it shouldn’t. The long stage has become a legend in itself. You will run out of a Saharan morning, into the dusk and then the dark, many not finishing the 80+km (52 miles) till well into the next day. Your feet will swell, crack and bleed under the pressure and the heat. But none of this will matter when you cross the finishing line – a hero.
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.
Beat is the Uk’s Eating Disorders charity and a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected by eating disorders. They give individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.
Eating disorders are widely misunderstood and stigmatised illnesses. Beat are campaigning for positive change for people who are suffering so that they can get the help they need and deserve as quickly as possible. Beat offers awareness training in schools and workplaces, and a HelpFinder service to help people find treatment in their area.
Eating disorders can be deeply isolating for the people affected by them. Beat’s message boards, online support groups, and regional support services allow people to talk to others with similar experiences, helping them to feel less alone with their eating disorder. Their phone and email helplines run 365 days a year for anyone who needs it. Often when people get in touch it’s the first time they’ve voiced their concerns about themselves or a loved one.
Beat receives no government funding, so they rely on the generosity of their supporters like me to continue their important work. Beat’s essential support services reach out to people each and every day with their helplines, website, self help and support groups and online support. No one should have to face an eating disorder alone.
I have run many races over the last few years and have not previously sought sponsorship. On this occasion, however, I feel deeply motivated to do something to help. If you can make a contribution then please do. However, even if you just read this post and leave the page having learnt a little more about an often neglected subject, I will be very satisfied.
I will match the contributions up to my initial target and I will be able to get matched funding through my employer for my own contribution. In this way, £1,000 from you will be able to grow to £3,000.
You may be wondering just what the Marathon des Sables is. The following is taken from the website.
AN EXTRAORDINARY RACE
FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
IN AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE
The Marathon des Sables is the stuff of legends. It is The Toughest Footrace on Earth (Discovery Channel).
MdS is a truly gruelling multi-stage adventure through a mythical landscape in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments – the Sahara desert. You have to be self-sufficient and carry all your own food and equipment for the week on your back. Communal goat’s-hair Berber tents are pitched every night but, apart from that you have to take it with you. Water is rationed and if you exceed the ration, you get a time penalty.
WHAT WILL YOU FACE?
In just six days you will run over 250km (156 miles) through endless dunes, over rocky jebels, and across white-hot salt plains. The sun will be your constant enemy with temperatures regularly reaching 50 centigrade. The sand will be your constant companion, clouds of it under your feet, sheets of it stinging your eyes and lots of it chafing where it shouldn’t. The long stage has become a legend in itself. You will run out of a Saharan morning, into the dusk and then the dark, many not finishing the 80+km (52 miles) till well into the next day. Your feet will swell, crack and bleed under the pressure and the heat. But none of this will matter when you cross the finishing line – a hero.
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.