As a lot of people will know, my best friend Maddie, has struggled with an eating disorder for a couple of years now and is still recovering. Including multiple hospital admissions. A few years ago we were watching the Stratford Half Marathon together and we decided that as soon as we were both 17 we would run it together as both of our first half marathons.

However, she isn’t able to run at the moment due to her eating disorder so instead of running it together like we promised, I am now 17 and am going to still run it, but it will be for her. I want to raise money for BEAT which is a helpline for anyone affected by eating disorders and has helped Maddie. I appreciate anything that you can give to the charity because I've seen personally how badly someone can be affected by an eating disorder.

If anyone wants to come and support on the day as well it will be greatly appreciated too. I've watched Maddie go through it all and never want anyone to have to go through anything like this or have to watch someone you love struggle especially someone who is like a sister to you.

Beat is a UK's eating disorder charity. Beat supports anyone with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care.

These serious mental illnesses include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. 1.25 million people in the UK have a diagnosed eating disorder. They affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and up to one in four sufferers are male. Eating disorders cost the UK's economy £16.8 billion each year.