A BISHOP’S Waltham man will be running the final half-marathon of his charity challenge this weekend.
Sam Henry has been tackling a half-marathon a month since the start of the year to raise money for BEAT, a charity which supports those suffering from eating disorders.
Now the 33-year-old is preparing for his final half-marathon, which he will undertake at Goodwood on Sunday, December 1.
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Sam decided to raise money for BEAT after he was diagnosed with anorexia in his early 20s.
He said: “Nine years ago I was diagnosed with Anorexia. Famous as an eating disorder that compels the sufferer to restrict their eating, Anorexia, like most serious mental health conditions, is so much more than its opening line - it took over and affected every area of my mind, smothered me in anxiety and depression that wrecked my early adulthood and alienated me from any notion of a ‘normal’ life.
“I count myself as one of the lucky ones however; while I have and always will suffer with this illness, through the unwavering support of my friends and family it is now something I can manage.
“Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder and many of these are still suffering like I did. For this reason, I chose to raise money for Beat, a charity close to my heart with the simple mission to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
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“Beat provides a support line for those suffering with eating disorders, as well as providing friends and family with skills and advice to support their loved ones and campaigning to increase knowledge of eating disorders in healthcare so the highest quality treatment can be provided.
“Throughout 2024 I have run 12 half-marathons (1 a month) in support of this cause and any donation you can give will go a long way toward funding all this vital work.”
At the time of writing, Sam has raised £1,530, exceeding his target of £1,200 – equivalent to £100 per half-marathon.
To donate to his fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/page/sam-runs-for-beat.
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