Story
I'm taking on the TCS London Marathon 2026 for Beat!
And before anyone gets déjà vu, yes I did plan to take on the 2025 London Marathon for Beat. I had amazing generous support from people, did the training, went up to London, got my number on my Beat t-shirt – and became unwell over the weekend and was unable to take part.
I was totally gutted not to be able to run. The work that Beat do really matters in supporting everyone affected by an eating disorder, and in raising awareness of these illnesses. I wanted to honour all of those generous donations I was so grateful to have received so last July along with my brother (thank you Andrew!) we completed a 25K trail run in the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge in recognition of all your generous support.
After committing to the Gower event, I was fortunate enough to be contacted by the brilliant fundraisers at Beat – as I never crossed the start line last year, they’d been given an additional place for me to take part in London 2026!! I am keen to keep supporting the work of Beat. This is not only due to our family’s story but since we have been sharing about our journey with eating disorders we have heard of and been in touch with an increasing number of other families going through similar experiences. It is very difficult to put into words the devastating impact on individuals and families that these illnesses bring – as someone said to me today ‘it is like your entire life is on hold and nothing else really matters.’
Having a child with an eating disorder is one of the most difficult things a family can face - eating disorders have the highest mortality rates out of all mental illnesses facing young people. Hearing that your child could die of this illness are words parents never want to hear.
I am running to support Beat due to the crucial need for support for individuals and families that they are providing. I wish we had found them much earlier in our journey as it was very lonely and difficult to tell people what we were all going through. We have now accessed specialist guidance and having this resource freely available is a lifeline for parents and young people alike and has helped us to understand what our daughter is experiencing.
I would of course welcome any further contributions to enable Beat to continue the desperately important work they are already doing. And just as importantly, if you are reading this and wondering if you, your family or someone else you care about may need help, please check out this link to the Beat website:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/here-for-you/
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your support, we would be so grateful for anything you could donate towards the target of £5000!
Beat is the UK's eating disorders charity. We exist to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. We are a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.
We predict 1.25 million people are affected by these serious mental illnesses. Eating disorders can be deeply isolating for the people affected by them. Our online support groups and training for carers allow people to talk to others with similar experiences, helping them to feel less alone with their eating disorder. We run phone and email helplines for anyone who needs us. Often when people get in touch its the first time they've voiced their concerns about themselves or a loved one.
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.