For nearly eight years, from when I was 12, I fought with an eating disorder. Since confronted with the option of either handing over my life to anorexia, bulimia and depression on a cracked plate or fighting for the little goodness I had left inside, I have had to re-wire my synapsis, reclaim my curves, and build relationships that aren't based on calories, exercise-minutes, and self-hatred. It's been a battle worth fighting and a trophy worth winning.

Last year, I swam my first 10k. This year it is a smaller 5k, but I have a bigger mission. I am aksing you to donate money to Beat, a charity I began working with in March - a necessity really in my uncompromising fight against an illness that destroys lives.

When I chose to recover, I had been unwell for over six years - a third of my lifetime. Many lessons had to be re-learnt and it was an arduous job. An example: When my sister was learning to go to the toilet (2 years old?), we had a calendar where she would get stickers for each day she managed to not get her diaper dirty. When I was 19, I gave myself stickers for each day I managed not to throw up.

Beat's work allows family, friends, and anyone who needs help to get in touch earlier, find treatment earlier, learn to swim again, quicker. As an ambassador for Beat, I am sharing my story with teenagers, teachers, health care professionals, families, and the wider public so that early intervention is possible, that treatment is not postponed, and so that no one has to drown in murky, freezing waters, filled with biting caneverous fish.

I will be swimming in the memory of my Mama who was an undeterring force of strength when I was getting well. Her grace and patience helped me stumble through the worst parts. Her BBQ ribs and laughter allowed me to appreciate my body's strength again. And her love has given me the power to fight back.