Hi! I’ve chosen to do something I never thought I would have the guts to do: a charity skydive. I have struggled with eating disorders since my childhood and have been in care for the last 4 years now. Recovery hasn’t been straight forward, and I've had 4 inpatient hospital admissions to specialist units throughout my recovery journey, & have just been discharged from my most recent year-long admission in February. I am quite honestly terrified at the thought of skydiving, but I know that fighting against an eating disorder and facing (what feels like the most daunting prospect of) recovery is truly a bigger challenge to most than jumping out of a plane. That’s why I’m raising money for Beat - the UK’s eating disorder charity.

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can affect anyone. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate out of any mental illness, and 1 in 5 of these deaths are as a result of suicide. Having recently lost a friend to this illness in January, I have seen the extent of the ruthless cruelty that this illness carries. But, there is hope. With better understanding, faster diagnosis and proper treatment, recovery is possible. Organisations like BEAT offer essential support and expert advice, and work to change policies, perceptions, and lives. This isn’t just a jump out of a plane, but a jump towards better help, awareness, and resources for those suffering from eating disorders. Thank you for supporting me, supporting BEAT, and supporting everyone fighting their own battles. 💜