The problem of eating disorders are very close to home for me personally. I suffered with anorexia in my teenage years and I have never had a 'normal' relationship with food ever since. It's a constant battle. I suffer to this day, with anxiety and depression, and when it's bad, food is my comfort, although it's not, as it only serves to make me feel worse. Anorexia, bulemia and binge eating disorder are misunderstood by alot of people.20 years ago, I don't feel the support that I needed was available. Eating disorders are a part of mental illness but instead of being offered help for the mental side, I was booked in to see a dietician and told to just 'eat more'. These days charities like Beat are there to offer the help needed and I want to support that.

I'm doing this because jumping out of an aeroplane scares me more than I've ever been scared in my life, and I know that if I can do this, I can do anything! If I can push myself out of my comfort zone, and break the barrier of my mind holding me back, then I won't allow my weight or my body insecurities to hold me back from living the life I want. I hope the money raised will also help many other people to tackle their own demons. 

I'm also doing this because one of my biggest fears is that my children will suffer with an eating disorder as they grow and face their own insecurities. When I was at my lowest weight, I remember my GP telling me that if I didn't start eating, I may not ever be a mum, as I was at such a low body fat percentage that I had stopped mensturation. I managed to get through it, and went on to have four healthy children thankfully. If they ever do need help and support themselves, I want it to be there readily available for them to access. I want them to see me jumping from the aeroplane and show them that they can do anything! As there's more to life and we are worth more than the value of whatever number the scale shows......

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.We predict 1.25 million people are affected by these serious mental illnesses. Eating disorders can be deeply isolating for the people affected by them. Our online support groups and training for carers allow people to talk to others with similar experiences, helping them to feel less alone with their eating disorder. We run phone and email helplines 365 days a year for anyone who needs us. Often when people get in touch its the first time theyve voiced their concerns about themselves or a loved one.Beat receives no funding from central government, so we rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us continue our important work.