For 15 years my beautiful niece Jade lived with Anorexia and on the 23rd of August 2020, she sadly lost her battle. She was wonderful. A caring, beautiful person who loved animals and would always put others first. Throughout her illness Jade wanted to help other sufferers and find a way to make changes and raise awareness for everyone with this illness.

 
Supporting the charity BEAT was extremely important to Jade so, on the 28th of May 2021, which would have been Jade's 29th birthday, myself, my brother Ken (Jade’s Dad), her twin sister Kelly, along with other family and friends are completing a tandem skydive to raise money for BEAT.

 
BEAT is the UK's eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989, their mission was and still is, to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that ruin and, too often, take lives. BEAT estimate that around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from these illnesses, many in secret. It affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. This disease steals childhoods, devastates relationships and pulls families apart. BEAT advise that with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. They also provide support to family and friends, equipping them with the essential skills and offering much needed advice, that allows them to help their loved ones recover, whilst also looking after their own mental health. BEAT also campaign to increase knowledge among healthcare and other relevant professionals, providing funding for high-quality treatment, so that when people are brave enough to take the vital steps towards recovery, the right help is available to them.

We are all still coming to terms with losing our beautiful Jadey, but know she would be so proud (and laughing her head off) at what we are planning to do for her 29th birthday. Please take the time to visit the BEAT website and find out about this amazing charity and if you can, give to this brilliant cause.