My Story

I’m running the Brighton 10k in April 2026 for the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation, because this year, I finally received the diagnosis I’ve lived with for most of my life.. BDD and A Typical Eating Disorders.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve battled a relentless, isolating cycle, obsessively picking myself apart, hyper-focusing on my appearance for hours every single day, and constantly trying to “fix” something I thought was wrong with me. It’s exhausting. It’s lonely. And there have been moments where I genuinely didn’t think I could keep going.

The issue is, it doesn’t matter what others think you look like. BDD distorts your view of reality. People have said kind things about my appearance over the years, but this illness makes it almost impossible to see what they see. That’s why it’s so important we talk about it, because it affects anyone. Even the person who seems confident, outgoing, or “put together” might be silently fighting it. You just can’t tell. It often hides behind smiles, wit, or sad eyes, you'd never know. 

Getting an official diagnosis this year was a turning point. I want to try and break this cycle, not just for myself, but to bring light to an illness that thrives in silence. Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects so many people, yet remains misunderstood and under-supported.

That’s why I’m running, to raise money for the BDD Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and providing vital support and resources for people living with BDD. They’re working to give people like me a voice, a community, and most importantly, hope.

I’m done suffering in silence. And if this run helps one person feel seen, supported, or a little less alone, then every step is worth it.

Please donate if you can, share if you’re able, and thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

2026 Brighton & Hove 10k is flat, fast and friendly. An atmosphere like no other in this bustling, vibrant and colourful city, which welcomes thousands of spectators and the local community each year.