I am shaving my head for Beat eating disorders because it is a charity very close to my heart and one that means a lot to me. This is because I have anorexia, depression and anxiety and living with these has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with - they control my day to day life in a way I can't even describe. I have struggled with disordered eating, exercise and body dysmorphia for many years of my life now, but following the death of my Grandad in June 2016, everything became increasingly worse and my mental state spiralled. In October that year I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and taken out of school immediately as my health was terrible, my organs were close to failing and I had no concentration at all. This was nothing compared to my mental health however - I despised myself and no longer wanted to live - I couldn't picture a life without my illness. It was an extremely hard time for myself and everyone close to me. Over a year and a half later, my physical health is much better, and whilst I have improved mentally in many ways, I still have a very long way to go. 

I have been interested in raising money for Beat for a long time because they are an incredible charity that do so much to support people like me, from giving advice, campaigning and providing a one to one chat service, to organising nationwide events like eating disorder awareness week. Beat are a phenomenal charity and I  am proud to say that I'm going to be raising money to support their valuable work.

I have chosen to shave my head as my way of fundraising because I believe it will be extremely empowering for me and will definitely make a statement. I think it will show how committed I am to raising money for Beat, as I have struggled with how I look throughout my life, and doing something so bold with my appearance is huge for me. 

I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story. I hope you can support me in my fundraising by donating or even just sharing my page - nothing is too big or small. Thank you.

Niamh Briers