Running to Beat Eating Disorders! Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k

Beat is the leading charity for eating disorders that aims to 'challenge the social stigma' that comes with them. They are also campaigning for better treatment and services for those who struggle with them. There are too many misconceptions linked with eating disorders and I believe people must be better educated about them and understand that it is not simply a 'life choice.'

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate than any other psychiatric disorder so for it to be shrugged off as a choice is extremely concerning.

Eating disorders come in many forms - not just anorexia and bulimia. Almost half of the people diagnosed with eating disorders fall under the EDNOS category (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.) Although sufferers of anorexia are often extremely thin most people with an eating disorder are of a normal weight and you cannot tell that they have one just by looking at them.

Eating disorders are a disease of the mind not the body.

Raising money for Beat means that more research can be done into these eating disorders that are 'not specified.' I was diagnosed with EDNOS and it was distressing not having a definitive answer as to what was wrong with me. I was left questioning whether I really did have an eating disorder. I always felt guilty and as though I couldn't reach out and ask for help because my case wasn't severe enough.

When I went to the GP they told me my BMI must reach 17.5 before they could offer me any real help because of the high demand and low resources. I thought that starving myself further might have meant that I could have gotten help.

I decided that I must help myself and reading the recovery on Beat's website helped me through this. Although I never had the courage to reach out to Beat I know how valuable this charity is. I have turned my life around and although I still suffer with the repercussions I want to turn my life around so I can help people suffering with eating disorders.

This is the first step in my journey to raise awareness for eating disorders.

Just £10 helps a Beat Support Worker reply to an email.

Please donate to help Beat eating disorders!