It's simple, I was ill for quite a long time, but was very good at hiding it. Yes I did suffer and No I am not ashamed to share my story, and talk about it, because it helps others realise that it isn't an illness where people just care about being skinny and pretty. I want to show that you CAN come through the other side of an eating disorder. My hope is that the stigma attched to this type of illness can be removed, in the same way we've managed to reduce the stigma attched to mental illnesses. It can be anybody who suffers, roughly 1.6 million in the UK- who have been recorded (many aren't recorded as they don't recieve professional care or hide it). Chances are you probably know somebody who has suffered an eating disorder to some degree.
To raise funds for Beat (the eating disorder charity) I have cycled from John O' Groats to Land's End 19-29th August 2014, followed by running 11 marathons in 11 day 4th Sept-13th Sept 2014. For 2015, I had a few more challenges, namely 20 marathons in 17 days...21st March til 6th April. I ran in a 100 mile footrace called Thames Path 100 and am now taking on the challenge of an Ironman triathlon!!!! I've taken part in a few big ultras including 24hr events too. Now I'm running 11 marathons in 11 days again....which will see me complete my 200th marathon/ultra but this time I'll be balancing the final part of ironman training some days after a marathon I'll have to get out on the bike for a marathon in the afternoon after running the distance :)
Recovery is a.wonderful thing and really can result in such strength. I'm the strongest.strongest I've been in my life, mentally and physically and am now a woman on a Mission. I'm spreading the word and not only hoping to raise awareness and spread a positive message, but also to raise lots of money to help others still battling this bloody awful thing....
From the age of 16 to around 24 I swung in and out of eating disorders. It never really got too bad until the last 2 years, when I just couldn't seem to shift it. I lost 3.5 stone and was a size 6, having been a size 12. I would swing between anorexia and bulimia.
The good news is that I managed to break free from it, when my health started getting pretty bad. I had a realisation of what life would be like fo rmy Godmum if she lost me. I was worried that when I went to sleep I wouldn't wake up. In short, I have now fully recovered and hope that others may recieve help before things get too out of control. Through sports, I've found a body confidence and it really helped my recovery. I have to eat properly, like an athlete, to perform now! I've never felt better and have never relapsed since Autumn 2010.
I hope you'll help me to help others and show that an illness like this doesn't have to ruin your life, and that help is available.
Beat is a charity who help not only the person with the illness, but their family too. Not only that but they work with professionals in the health service to try an improve the services available as well as carryingout research/surveys too.
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