Exeter students set out to beat eating disorders on British 10k run

Four Exeter students are running the British 10K on 15 July in aid of the UK’s eating disorder charity Beat. The team from the Exeter Beats Eating Disorders student society have already beaten their own fundraising target – twice – and are now aiming to raise £1,200.

Ana Silva, President of Exeter Beats Eating Disorders, said: “For two years we have been spreading the word about eating disorders in our university. We have just become an affiliated society which will give us the opportunity to work even harder on a higher platform. Running the British 10K is our finale fundraiser after a successful fundraising year!

“Being such a close team, and an even closer group of friends, we’re running together for a cause so close to us all, and are determined to complete it while, most importantly, having fun!”

An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder. The transition from living at home to university can be particularly difficult for sufferers, and Beat runs a helpline specifically for students: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services/helplines

Beat’s Community Fundraising Officer Andrea Auburn said, “The Exeter team are doing such important work in helping to ensure that eating disorder sufferers get support.

“We rely on our fundraising volunteers to raise money increase the number of people we help.

“Last year Beat directly supported over 17,000 people and this year we are hoping to help 40,000. The dedication of Exeter Beats Eating Disorders and other volunteers like them is essential in achieving that goal.”