14 months ago, I didn’t know anything about the amazing work that the charity BEAT does to support people affected by Eating Disorders, their families and friends. But, on 3rd January 2024 that changed as we were handed out a BEAT booklet at the end of an appointment at CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) where our 16-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

The word that comes to my mind when I think of the months that followed is ‘traumatic’. Highly traumatic for Elena who was bravely fighting this complex psychiatric illness. Traumatic for Ewan, Gaëlle and I as we felt helpless, scared and heartbroken. The other word is ‘supported’. Firstly, by our friends and family who were nothing short of fantastic. Secondly, by the team at BEAT. Thanks to them, we got access to a crisis helpline (which I called in desperation one day), attended workshops over several weeks to learn how to support a loved one with an eating disorder, had the support of a counsellor who had weekly check-ins to debrief on and help resolve situations encountered the previous week. As CAMHS is overwhelmed with referrals and struggling to care for all the young people and families they see, BEAT provides a lifeline to families. We are so grateful to them.

Eating disorders like ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and OSFED are complex mental health conditions which are often misunderstood, mislabelled or undiagnosed. They affect around 1.25 million people in the UK and are one of the biggest mental health challenges of our time. They can affect anyone at any time so all of the work BEAT does is vital.

I will be running the Edinburgh marathon on 25 May, after years of very little physical activity, to support them. My training is well underway, and I can tell you, it’s going to be a challenge. So, if you are able to, please sponsor me so every mile doesn’t simply hurt, it counts!... And in case you need a bit more encouragement, I’ll be turning 54 on the day of the marathon. Getting across the line and raising my £ target would be an awesome birthday present.

Thanks all.