I am fundraising for Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity. An eating disorder has affected my life badly and also my friends. When in treatment my journey has crossed the paths of others, the majority younger than me, suffering and battling to 'recover'. I've witnessed their lives fractured at such vulnerable ages. So I am doing this to reflect all those affected by eating disorders, especially the friends I've made during treatment. This is the most insidious evil disease, it's also a fierce liar and stokes up an incredible amount of emotional agony and conflict. I am passionate to raise awareness and to talk about this so something positive comes out of the years battling this torrid existence surrounding food, weight and nutrition.

Beat supports anyone with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care. These serious mental illnesses include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. 725,000 people in the UK have a diagnosed eating disorder. They affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and up to one in four sufferers are male. Eating disorders cost the UK's economy £16.8 billion each year.

The facts:
Eating disorders...
-have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and one of the most seriously affected can die prematurely

-are treatable conditions and full recovery is possible

-can affect anyone at any time but girls and young women aged 12-20 are most at risk. Up to 20% of cases are boys and men

-causes are complex and not yet fully understood, but include a mix of genetic, biological and cultural factors

A huge thank you to anyone who is able to support this Bake-a-thon. The treats will be given to local animal charities. They will also be avialable at a local dog friendly cafe "Take Two", Burnham on Sea.