Kelsie Silverstone, 20 years old, from Wolverhampton, has recently launched her appeal to raise awareness about eating disorders and funds for Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Beat has sent out a call to people to fundraise and raise awareness to mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week (26 February – 4 March 2018).
Kelsie aims to raise £1,500 by the 3rd of March when she’ll get her head shaved. Kelsie suffered from anorexia for five years as she started becoming more conscious about her body image at the age of 14.
“I went on a diet to have more of a healthy lifestyle and progressively I developed a need for more and more control through cutting out food and reducing my water intake”, remembers Kelsie.
“I reached my lowest point just after I did my mock exams for my GCSEs. I was then admitted to an eating disorder inpatient unit where I spent three months”.
Kelsie is currently in her second year of University at Manchester Metropolitan University where she studies English and American Literature and she is working towards becoming a secondary school teacher.
“I have become more accepting of my body I am more outgoing. I nourish my body now instead of destroying it. I have come very long way mentally and physically and I feel it’s essential for me to raise money to thank Beat who saved my life.”
Kelsie’s mother used Beat’s website when she needed advice and guidance during her daughter’s more difficult days in recovery.
“I am super nervous about the head shave, but I am ready to bare all and embrace it! I need it to prove to myself and others that self-love doesn’t need to come from the physical it needs to come with love and acceptance”, says Kelsie.
Kelsie is one of the many fundraisers who are supporting Beat with ‘Sock It to Eating Disorders’. To donate to Kelsie, please click here: https://www.justgiving.com/fun...
Beat Community Fundraising Officer, Andrea Auburn said: “We are calling people to be creative or pull on their brightest, boldest socks and fundraise for Beat to mark Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
“Eating disorder sufferers face an average wait of three and a half years for treatment. By wearing your socks, or organise a fundraise like Kelsie is doing, you will help us provide support, tackle barriers to desperately needed treatment, and challenge the stigma”.