At age 16 I was diagnosed with a Binge Eating Disorder with little, to no, knowledge on the subject and a massive lack of control over eating. I saw first hand the support needed in this country to help those suffering and how much more needs to be done for those both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorders and so much more needs to be done to support and educate on those in this country.

Luckily for myself, my issues and patterns were spotted early and I managed to get the help and support needed from my family, friends, school and the healthcare system and was able to get discharged from the NHS on the 21st June 2021, however eating disorders are not a simple disorder and falling back into old habits and developing symptoms is so easy for those having been previously effected. As much as I feel I have conquered my eating and I feel in-control, I know there are many people out there who are suffering.

Therefore, I am running the AJ Bell Manchester Half Marathon for Beat UK to raise money to a charity so close to mine and many of my family and friends hearts.

Any donations would be massively appreciated to help me on my way - given I have never run further than 5k before this!

To learn more about Beat please read below.

I am fundraising for Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity. Beat supports anyone with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care.

These serious mental illnesses include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. 1.25 million people in the UK have a diagnosed eating disorder. They affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and up to one in four sufferers are male. Eating disorders cost the UK's economy £16.8 billion each year.