In April 2026, I completed my first marathon, the Milan Marathon, while raising £1,125 for Beat. What started as a personal challenge became something much bigger: an opportunity to give back to a charity that has helped so many people affected by eating disorders, including myself.
Beat is a charity that is incredibly close to my heart. A few years ago, I experienced my own battle with an eating disorder, and recovery was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was a journey that tested me in ways I never expected, but it also taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of support.
Throughout that time, organisations like Beat provided hope, guidance, and reassurance that recovery was possible. They support not only individuals affected by eating disorders but also families and loved ones who are trying to understand how best to help.
Running has also played a huge role in my recovery. It gave me a way to reconnect with my body, appreciate what it was capable of, and focus on strength rather than struggle. Over time, running became something that brought me confidence, peace, and joy. It helped me build trust in myself again and reminded me that recovery could open doors to experiences I never thought possible.
When I decided to take on my first marathon, I knew I wanted to run for a cause that genuinely meant something to me. Running for Beat felt like the perfect opportunity to give something back while helping to raise awareness of eating disorders and the importance of early support.
Fundraising was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. From the moment I signed up, the team at Beat were incredibly supportive and encouraging. They celebrated fundraising milestones, checked in regularly, and were always there if I needed advice or guidance.
One of the most meaningful moments came when I was invited to share a poem I had written about my recovery journey. Beat shared the video on their social media channels, allowing me to tell my story in a way that felt personal and authentic. Knowing that it resonated with people and opened up conversations around recovery was incredibly special.
The support I received from Beat made me feel like part of a team throughout the entire process.
The biggest factor in reaching my fundraising goal was simply being honest.
Sharing my personal connection to the cause helped people understand why the challenge mattered so much to me. Through social media, I posted updates about my training, fundraising progress, and the work Beat does to support those affected by eating disorders.
I was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family, colleagues, and even people I had not spoken to in years. Every donation, message, and share helped me get closer to my goal, and I was incredibly grateful for the support I received along the way.
To my surprise, I ended up raising more than double my original target.
Alongside fundraising, I wanted to use the marathon as an opportunity to raise awareness of eating disorders and challenge some of the stigma that still exists around them.
I shared information about Beat's services, statistics around eating disorders, and aspects of my own recovery journey.
One thing I learned is that awareness does not always have to come from large campaigns. Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one story, or one person being willing to speak openly about their experiences.
The Milan Marathon was an unforgettable experience.
After months of training, standing on the start line felt emotional in itself. There were moments during the race that were challenging, but there were also moments of pure joy. The atmosphere throughout the city was incredible, and the support from spectators and fellow runners was amazing.
One of the highlights of the day was having my parents there to support me. They have been by my side throughout my recovery journey and supported me every step of the way in training for the marathon, so sharing the experience with them made it even more special.
Crossing the finish line of my first marathon is a moment I will never forget. It represented not only the end of a race but also a celebration of how far I had come personally. A few years earlier, I could never have imagined myself training for and completing a marathon. Running had become such an important part of my recovery, and finishing the race felt like a powerful reminder of everything recovery had given back to me.
Knowing that every mile had helped raise money and awareness for Beat made the achievement feel even more meaningful.
Go for it.
It can feel daunting at first, especially if you've never fundraised before, but people are often far more supportive than you expect. If the cause means something to you, don't be afraid to share your story and explain why you're fundraising.
You don't need to be an experienced runner, cyclist, swimmer, or fundraiser. What matters most is having a reason that motivates you and being willing to take that first step.
Whenever training became difficult, I reminded myself why I had signed up and who I was fundraising for. That always helped me keep going.
Meaningful. Empowering. Unforgettable.
Donate today to help us provide more vital support to people who are affected by eating disorders.
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