Inspirational Grace plans to run the London Marathon in support of eating disorder charity BEAT.

In the podcast episode, released Wednesday 25 February as part of Eating Disorder Awareness Week (23 to 27 February), Grace bravely discusses her challenges seeking medical help, the techniques that helped her overcome her eating disorder and what she wants more people to know about recovery.

She said, “When I was in the thick of it, I felt like I was never going to get myself back. But I am proof that recovery is possible and that there’s a future beyond eating disorders. It’s about having that vision that you will get there but it’s also about one step at a time, one day at a time, one hour at a time, even one minute.”

“I want to share a positive message about what recovery can bring. If you’re going through it now, just know it will get better. You deserve help.”

Grace praised the support she and her mum received from mental health services while experiencing difficulties getting medical help due to her weight being perceived as healthy. She said:

“I’m running the London Marathon for BEAT, the UK’s eating disorder charity. They helped me so much, they were incredible. They also support the families and friends of those with eating disorders, so my mum received support from BEAT as well. Their chatlines were vital to me getting the medical help I needed. They kept encouraging me and validated me that I deserved help and I was worthy of recovery.

“I think it's about bridging those gaps and talking to somebody who gets it. One thing I loved about reaching out to them was that I didn't have to explain myself and I didn't have to try and prove that I was struggling. They just got it and would respond from a place of understanding, just listening, understanding and saying, ‘you deserve that support’.”

One of Grace’s biggest ambitions is to show other people struggling with disordered eating that they are not alone. She said:

“Going through it, you feel like you’re alone in a pit and you need someone to pull you out.

“My social media platforms are all about raising awareness that everyone deserves support. It’s something I’m passionate about. I’ve even been to the House of Parliament to support the launch of a recent inquiry into eating disorder treatment.”

“It’s vital that everyone has access to mental health support. That’s why websites like NottAlone are so important. If you need mental health support, whether for an eating disorder or not, I want to really encourage you to take that first step.

“You're not alone. You’re worthy of getting support and living a life that you love.

Co-hosts of The NottAlone Podcast, Dr Órlaith Green and Dr Maddi Popoola, hope that Grace’s story will encourage others to reach out for the support they need.

Dr Órlaith, NottAlone co-founder and Principal Educational Psychologist and Group Manager, Psychology and Inclusion Services at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: 

“It can be really scary to think about reaching out for mental health support, and by sharing her story and showing the impact it has had for her, Grace is helping to normalise it. It’s really powerful.

“The thing that we hear the most in these conversations, when people are struggling with really hard things like eating disorders, is start small and believe it can change. Grace shows us just how much impact those small steps can have and reminds us that being able to find and access the right support can be genuinely life changing.

“Helping young people to find free, local support services is why NottAlone was created back in 2021. I hope Grace’s story will encourage even more people to look at the support available and take their own first small step towards recovery.”

Dr Maddi, NottAlone co-founder and Educational Psychologist at Nottingham City Council, said: 

“Grace is helping to squash the stereotype that an eating disorder looks a certain way. It’s so important to shine a light on the reality of what an eating disorder actually is so more people can access the support they need. Help should be there, regardless of any physical presentation.

“I’m so grateful to Grace for sharing her story with us and our listeners. This is what the podcast is all about. If we keep talking about mental health, we really can show people that they are not alone.”

Listen to Grace’s episode of The NottAlone Podcast from Wednesday 25 February, part of the four-episode podcast series which puts young people at the heart of exploring some challenging mental health topics. You can also listen back to the first episode of the series where fifteen-year-old Ella talks about grief following the loss of her little brother.

Listen and subscribe to The NottAlone Podcast for free wherever you get your podcasts. 

For mental health advice and links to local support services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, visit www.NottAlone.org.uk.

NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.