Anorexia is a disease I thought I would never have to deal with and seemed far removed from my life. While I was studying abroad in the US, my mum gave me the news that my very own brother had been hospitalized, hit by a disease that affects the mind but hurts the body. Dealing with an eating disorder, so hard to understand and so difficult to fight, was incredibly challenging as it put my brother and all of my family through an incredibly difficult journey. Through many battles we were lucky that there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel. However, this is a disease that is usually caught too late and on average almost three years pass before those experiencing eating disorder symptoms seek help. In the UK alone, approximately 1.25 million people suffer from an eating disorder.

In order to raise awareness and to fundraise for a local UK organization called Beat that do a fantastic job in helping both those experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones; I will be running a half marathon in March together with two of my best friends, Francesco and Giuseppe. Any donation, small or large, will be incredibly appreciated.

Thank you everyone!

Iacopo Giuliani