I'm cycling 100 miles on Sunday 29th May for BEAT to raise awareness that eating disorders can affect anyone, no matter their shape or size or our perception of what they look like.

I spent most of my teens and early 20's struggling with disordered eating, I experienced dramatic weight loss in my late teens and although my methods were unhealthy I was constantly congratulated on being a smaller size despite my poor physical/mental health and bad nutrition.

I've now recovered and although I'm a larger size I'm happier and healthier than ever before! 

By taking on this 100 mile challenge I want to send a clear message that health and fitness isn't always about the size of your body and dangerous diet culture narratives and beauty standards are encouraging young people (particularly adolescence) that fit, healthy and acceptable bodies ONLY come in smaller sizes. 

I'm fundraising for BEAT to help offer support to the 1.25 million people in the UK anyone effected by eating disorders.

• It takes an average of three and a half years for someone to get treatment after their symptoms first begin.
• The NHS estimates that one in every six adults is at risk of developing an eating disorder.
• 62% of eating disorder symptoms appeared before the age of 16.
• Research (Wilksch et al, 2019) has found a clear pattern of association between social media usage and disordered eating cognitions and behaviours in adolescents.