Step Out for Beat

Eating disorders affect countless lives but, with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. On Monday 2 June it’s World Eating Disorder Action Day, we’re asking you to Step Out on a walk in support of those facing their own struggles and in hope that together we can make a difference.

You can step out with your friends and family any day between Saturday 31 May and Sunday 8 June.

From our helpline to our online workshops and chatrooms, we are on a mission to end the pain caused by eating disorders by providing support and bringing people together to ensure that recovery is possible.

Step Out in support and in hope.

Jaimie’s story

My name is Jaimie and I have struggled with anorexia nervosa since the age of 11. I spent years stuck in the depths of my illness, in and out of hospital, unable to see a life beyond my eating disorder.

However it got to a point where I realised I didn’t want to live my life like this anymore. Recovery has been far from easy or straightforward however I am now in the best place I have ever been. Life has really started to open up for me and it’s so beautiful.

I met Ellie during one of my admissions to Skye House and she has been by my side ever since. She is such a beautiful, strong, amazing friend and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She comforted me when I was scared, hugged me when I cried, and we fought this illness together, day by day until eventually, we were both discharged during the summer of 2023.

A few months later, we were reunited while on holiday together up in the north of Scotland, looking at the stunning views, in disbelief that this was our life now. We’d come so far, together.

However, when I think about all of the people who are still faced with this horrible disease, or who may be faced with it in the future, it breaks my heart. I feel overwhelmed with helplessness because I wish I could just make everything better.

This is why Ellie and I are fundraising for beat through their Step Out campaign. And I invite you to join us (if you can) on a walk that will take place in Pollock Country Park in Glasgow on the 31st May 2025. Through this, we can all stand together in support of those suffering from eating disorders and raise money for such an incredible charity.

I have always found that getting out in nature is very healing and helps to ground me and remind me of what really matters. Life shouldn’t be about shrinking and self destruction; it should be about living, growing, flourishing. It’s about feeling the warmth of sunlight on your cheeks, the fresh air in your lungs, the joy that comes from spending time with people you love.

I think back to when I was younger - I was so carefree, sitting on the beach eating ice cream, laughing and building sandcastles. That version of me had no idea what would follow. I feel sad when I think about that, because little me didn’t deserve any of it. And she is me and I am her, so if I wouldn’t want to deny her of happiness why am I now any different?

The moment that I realised this was a huge turning point in my recovery. I don’t deserve this illness and neither does anybody else. If you are reading this and are struggling or have struggled with these thoughts then please trust me - you deserve to live. You deserve happiness and love and a life without an eating disorder. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Ellie’s story

My name is Ellie and I have struggled with anorexia since I was 12, throughout my life I have always struggled with the need to be perfect, the need to be the best. During Covid 2019 was when my mental health started to decline rapidly. Being away from all my friends alone with my thoughts was when the darkness took over. I slowly began to hate everything about my self and feel into the viscous cycle of anorexia.

After struggling alone losing the battle against anorexia, I was admitted into Skye house mental health hospital to be treated for my eating disorder. I was sent away two hours away from my home all alone and scared. The only thing that brought me joy in this time was my daily walks with my best friend Jaimie that I met while in the hospital.

Me and Jaimie met in hospital while we were both being treated for the same illness. Without Jaimie I wouldn’t be where I am now or even here at all. She was the bright light in my life when all I saw was darkness.

Being admitted to hospital was the darkest time of my life not knowing if I would wake up the next day fearing for my life. I was scared and alone. This was the turning point for me in my life. I realized I didn’t want to live a life in fear I wanted to live a life for me. A life that brought me joy and happiness. After 9 long hard months of battling my own brain I was released from hospital and allowed to go home.

Fast forward 2 years I am in a much better place, even though it isn’t easy, I continue to battle and fight my brain everyday and am starting to enjoy my life again. Still with my best friend by my side.

Through this walk I would like to raise money but most importantly awareness for this cruel disease and help the people that are struggling with it. I want to share my story and hopefully show people that there is light at the end of the tunnel and life is worth living. Don’t miss out on 90% of your life to weigh 10% less.