What made you sign up to do the Edinburgh Marathon in aid of Beat?
I chose Edinburgh because I wanted a challenge that matched the importance of Beat’s work. Eating disorders touch so many lives, and I wanted my miles to mean something practical - funding support so people aren’t facing it alone. I’d raised money for Beat before, cycling 200 miles over two days in 2014, and it planted a seed: when I set big goals for a good cause, people rally. Edinburgh’s atmosphere and iconic route as well as its close proximity sealed it. Training wasn’t just about my pace or distance; it was a steady way to talk about recovery, nutrition and help. The marathon felt like a promise: if I show up fully, we can change things together.
What was your experience of fundraising and what support did you receive from Beat?
Fundraising felt personal and communal at the same time. My church were incredible - generous with donations and even more generous with their encouragement. Their prayers, check-ins and “you’ve got this” messages lifted me through tough sessions and the wobbles. On the practical side, Beat were brilliant. They shared clear guidance on speaking about eating disorders sensitively, provided resources that I could pass on, and kept in touch so I never felt I was doing it alone. I used those materials in conversations and posts, always pointing back to Beat’s helpline and information pages. The combination of church support and Beat’s presence made fundraising feel less like asking and more like inviting people into something hopeful. Every time my motivation dipped, a kind word or update from Beat nudged me forward.
What worked for you in terms of fundraising?
Two things: my church community and consistent storytelling. Sharing the “why” during conversations at church - and hearing people reflect it back to me - was incredibly powerful. Their encouragement matched their giving, and that fuelled me. Online, Facebook was my main hub. I posted honest training updates (good days and bad ones), and explained what each donation could help fund, and kept saying thank you. I learned that personal stories travel farther than perfect photos. Referencing my 2014 Beat ride showed I’m committed to this cause.
What other activities have you taken part in to raise awareness?
I’ve tried to use every mile run to signpost help. At church, I shared Beat’s resources and kept conversations grounded in compassion and facts - how to spot concerns, how to support someone, and where to turn. On Facebook, I paired training posts with links to Beat’s helplines and information, keeping language non-stigmatising. Friends and family often reshared the posts, which extended the reach well beyond my immediate circle. I also talked openly about fuelling and recovery, and how working with a sports dietitian strengthened both my training and wellbeing. Before the marathon, I reminded people that even reading and sharing reliable resources is a form of support. Awareness, for me, has been about pointing people to trustworthy help at the moment they need it.
What are your highlights of the Edinburgh Marathon experience?
“Highlights” and “hard” go together for me. The weather was extreme, the distance unforgiving, and I feel that honesty matters. But there were amazing moments that I’ll remember forever. Volunteers who never stopped smiling. Strangers shouting my name. Messages from friends pinging through on my phone. Knowing my church family were cheering - some in person, many from afar - made a huge difference. I kept hearing their encouragement in my head when the pace dropped and the legs screamed in pain. Spotting others in Beat colours on the course gave me a surge of energy I can still feel now. Crossing the finish line was sheer relief and deep gratitude rolled into one: my tank was empty but my heart was full.
Advice to others considering it…
Follow a structured plan and respect recovery like it’s part of the workout - because it is. Practise your race-day fuelling on long runs and don’t leave hydration to chance. Getting guidance from The Sports Dietitian Alex Cook was invaluable; she helped me fuel enough to train hard and arrive on the start line ready, not depleted. Start easy, adjust for weather, and have a mental script for the tough times. With the fundraising, lean into your community - my church’s encouragement and generosity were a game-changer - and use Facebook (or your platform) for steady, honest updates. Always link back to why Beat’s work matters and how people can get help. Finally, be kind to yourself.
Sum up the experience in three words:
Difficult. Supported. Transformative.
Difficult, because the extreme weather and sheer distance demanded more resilience than I imagined I ever had, and there were real moments of doubt along the course. Supported, because my church family, friends, and the Beat team wrapped the whole journey in encouragement, practical help, and prayer—exactly when I needed it most. Transformative, because the lessons I’ve learnt will last forever: follow a structured plan, fuel with intention, seek expert guidance (thank you, Sports Dietitian Alex Cook), and keep the “why” front and centre. The day stretched me far beyond comfort, but every donation and kind word turned hard miles into hope - making a tangible difference for people who need Beat’s support right now.
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