I’m running the Great North Run for the first time this year and will be raising money for an amazing, but lesser-known charity called BEAT.

For those who don’t know, my younger sister Lily was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in April 2020, which devastated our family. We were stuck in lockdown & completely clueless in how to support her - luckily, we found BEAT. We used their website to educate ourselves, attended free courses on how to support someone with an eating disorder, and Lily used the peer support chat service and support groups.  With this help and treatment in the Children’s Community Eating Disorder service, Lily made good progress and was discharged in time to head off to Leeds Arts Uni in Sept 2021. It was great to see her thrive and become her old self again. 

Sadly, as is all too common with eating disorders, they often find ways to creep back in and in October 2022 Lily was forced to drop out of university and return home. Thankfully she has been able to get into the adult eating disorder service in Newcastle and is currently attending an Intensive Day service 3 times a week and is making positive progress towards recovery. Once again as a family we have utilised the services offered by BEAT, not only do they offer help & support to the likes of me and my family, but they also help spread awareness and banish harmful stigmas around eating disorders, spearhead campaigns, conducting vital research into eating disorders and lobbying for better mental health funding.

BEAT was founded in 1989 and their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from these illnesses, many in secret. They steal childhoods, devastate relationships, and pull families apart. But, with the right treatment and support, recovery IS possible.

Anything you can donate to help me get round the 13.1miles and support the amazing work that BEAT do will be hugely appreciated. Thank you so much!