I'm taking on the Edinburgh Marathon Festival for Beat!

Eating disorders are known to be the most deadly mental illness, and with many people suffering in silence, they can go unnoticed and untreated for long periods of time. As someone who has experienced an eating disorder, I am so thankful for support networks and charities, especially Beat, that help so many sufferers and their families work through tough times together.

Anorexia took so much away from me, and it thrived on silence and isolation. Many simply are too scared or overwhelmed to ask for help, meaning that things can get serious very quickly. For young people, especially, this illness can ruin one's education, social life, and health, whilst manipulating the brain into seeing it as a friend.

Many are not as lucky as I was to have had support from school, family, CAHMS, and friends when at a young age, and when families do not have help from the NHS, Beat can step in.

Please donate anything you can. I am starting proper training now and will be posting regular updates to my Instagram: @lucyforresterr

Beat is the UK's eating disorders charity. From our helpline to our online workshops and chatrooms, we are on a mission to end the pain caused by eating disorders by providing support and bringing people together to ensure that recovery is possible.

Every donation makes a difference. No matter the amount, your contribution will directly support Beat's mission and help people access vital support. Thank you for supporting this important cause. With your help, we can bring hope and healing to those affected by eating disorders and ensure no one has to face these struggles alone.

Beat receives no funding from central government, so we rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us continue our important work.