I'm raising money for MIND as it's a charity incredibly close to my heart. And I'm doing so through the Hackney half marathon because I absolutely love running!!

Please read below my reasons for raising money for MIND. I've found it difficult to write this, despite it being about something that happened over a decade ago. (It's important to clarify that it's not been difficult to write because I carry shame of this experience, but instead it's because I've never written about it before.) 

As I look to 2023 where I'll be turning 30 I feel it's important to share my story, a decade on, should it help anyone. 

Between 2010-2014(ish) I experienced and recovered from anorexia, bulimia and depression. These years were challenging and traumatic, and happening during such an important time in my life. I lived two lives: one as a university student with great friends and enjoying studying; the other battling a horrific illness that was a 'taboo' and misunderstood. Recovery was hard work, beyond challenging and immensely tough but I thank myself daily for pushing through and committing to it. I think of what I've achieved since then: two degrees, ran a not-for-profit, sat on the board of the biggest media company, work at a mega platform now, incredible partner, friends and family...recovery was beyond worth it.

Although the world has come a long way since my late teens (I'm almost 30 now...) mental health support, resources and eating disorder awareness remains a somewhat grey area. I'm still asked as a "person people know who went through something" to answer questions about the illness and it's not really fair to do so. Please share and look to MIND as they have some brilliant resources that help people through these experiences, and I'd encourage you all to check the site out whether through me or something else. 

Please donate!