I am doing this as in memory of those who haven’t been as lucky as me. Whether they’ve lost their battle with anorexia or their mental health has made them feel as though suicide is the only way out. It’s a celebration as I never thought I’d reach 30!

I have depression which manifested as anorexia for 13 years. It helped me disassociate from all things internally and externally bad, and made me feel invincible and so ugly, I thought it’d help me never get molested ever again.

But it took me to 4 1/2 stone. BMI 9. , I had 2 separate inpatient stays , countless hospital admissions, was sectioned , attempted suicide twice and had a heart attack in 2020. It was only then did I realise just how vulnerable I was.

But it was a diagnosis of autism, the right medication and surrounding myself with the right people which enabled me to slowly slowly come to understand how I tick and fumble my way back to health and now to happiness.

Its taken from 2020-2023 to get to a point where ‘Physically’ my body can withstand any form of strain or impact and ‘mentally’ understand how to use physical activity not as a form of self harm.

So I began triathlon in summer 2023, to give me a focus and because I’m a perfectionist, I wanted a sport I wasn’t good at.

I couldn’t swim until January last year, I had ptsd from the numerous collisions from passing out on whilst biking when I was ill and during the whole 13 years of anorexia I couldn’t run because due to my osteoporosis, it destroyed my hips and knees.

But with the right mindset and nutrition I’ve been able to get my self to a point where I can take on this challenge.

Whilst training the body, I’ve had to also train my mind. It’s taught me the power of perception and how to use the discipline and determination, which once dragged me to despair, to now drive self actualisation.

So now I intend to take part in this 70.3, I would hopefully like to Raise some vital funds for Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale MIND to help those suffering get to support they need.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and supporting me on my journey xxx