Michelle's story - The Heavy Long Way Hame

Just over a year ago, my best friend and I completed a huge physical challenge called The Heavy Long Way Hame. It lasted 24 hours and included lifting a combined total of 800kg, kayaking across Loch Lomond for 8 hours, and running 70km through the night from Glasgow to Falkirk.

We originally wanted to challenge ourselves both physically and mentally, but as the weeks of training went on, I realised I had a much deeper reason behind it.

I struggled with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder from the age of 14 until around 24. It wasn’t until I was 30 that I opened up about my past, and that became a huge part of my healing journey.

For years, I had locked everything away. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and like I could never speak about it. Working in the health and fitness industry from the age of 16, I always believed it was something I should keep hidden.

But over time, I started to feel that my experiences could help others. I felt a responsibility to show people they weren’t alone. When I finally opened up, it didn’t just help those around me, it became one of the final steps in my own recovery. It was no longer something hidden away.

It was out in the open, met with nothing but support and understanding.

Fast forward to 2025, and I wanted to do something that would truly test me, something that showed just how far I’d come, both physically and mentally.

We raised money for Beat in the hope that others who are struggling might see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. When I look back at my younger self, there were days I couldn’t even lift my head off the pillow… never mind run 70km.

I had planned to write this story straight after the challenge… but there was a bit of a plot twist.

I found out I was pregnant just two days later.

I was completely shocked, and honestly, terrified that I had pushed my body too far. As someone who works with pre- and post-natal women, I fully understand the importance of safe exercise during pregnancy and this challenge was, of course, extremely intense.

It took me several months to even begin to appreciate what we had achieved. I couldn’t look back at photos or celebrate it at the time, as I felt quite anxious throughout my pregnancy.

Now, my little girl is three months old. She is absolutely wonderful and has changed our lives for the better.

I think I feel ready to share this now because, for a long time, I was scared I might never be able to have a family. I lost my period at around 17 due to being underweight, and it took a long time to return naturally. I always worried I had done lasting damage to my body.

Over the past four years, I’ve learned so much about nutrition, women’s health, and hormones and just how important food is, not only for physical health but for overall happiness.

Looking back, the challenge and my pregnancy happening at the same time almost feels meant to be. As we approach one year on, I feel ready to share my story to raise awareness of how isolating eating disorders can be and yet how common they are.

The first step in my recovery was simply talking to someone. At the time, I felt so much shame, but once I opened up, things slowly began to improve.

My message to anyone struggling is: please don’t suffer in silence. Life can get so much better. I’m now able to do things my younger self could never have imagined.

Today, my purpose is to be a strong, healthy role model for my daughter and for the next generation to show that strong is beautiful.