In 2026, I am running London Marathon, and fundraising for Beat – the UK’s eating disorder charity. Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can affect anyone. Right now, at least 1.25 million (1 in 50) people in the UK have an eating disorder.

Until recently, I was one of them. Aged 19 I was diagnosed with anorexia, after my second year of uni saw me starting to exercise excessively, and severely restrict my calories. I suffered from the textbook symptoms of hair loss, amenorrhea and exhaustion. Along with this came emotional symptoms; withdrawal, obsessions and depression. It was all consuming, but Beat offered me the resources I needed to get out.

My anorexia affected my loved ones, and brought them into the horrible world of eating disorders, as they fought with me and for me every day. Beat looks after them too, with print resources and chat rooms for family members and carers to be supported.

After many attempts at CBT, I was discharged from all formal treatment in April 2021, and after running a marathon when I was at my most unwell, I'd like a second chance.

This time round I'm not motivated by weight loss, but by the person who I once was. This is for her.

Thank you for reading my story, and please share if you can🫶🏽