RUNNING THE SUPER HALFS FOR EDNE

A little while ago I spoke about my personal experiences with disordered eating and the toll it can take on just about every aspect of life. I chose to speak on this to throw a spotlight on an area of mental illness that is still completely misunderstood and falling way short of adequate funding, research and specialist intervention services. I also chose to speak for those that can’t yet find the words to seek the help they are deserving of. I chose to break the silence and challenge the shame. To change the conversation. To give hope that recovery is possible.

More people die every year from eating disorders than any other mental illness. I’ve thought a lot about this and how we can shift the paradigm. Beyond sharing experiences, normalising discussion and supporting impactful campaigns like dump the scales and BEAT finally making waves in parliament, we need to publicise and preserve the services we do have, because early intervention really does make the difference.

In the north east we are unbelievably privileged to have free access to EDNE - a specialist eating disorder psychotherapy service and charity. I was fortunate enough to have received their support and know just how integral they have been to my own recovery journey. They met me with compassion, offered me safety and helped me to confront and understand my illness. I’m beyond grateful that this was an option for me.

Later this year and early 2026, I’ll be running the Super Half marathons - Cardiff , Valencia , Berlin (confirmed) , Lisbon & Prague (awaiting ballot) with EDNE in mind in the hope of making a positive change, even just to one persons life.