‘Taking steps’ and raising funds for eating disorders on Boxing Day

‘Taking steps’ and raising funds for eating disorders on Boxing Day

On Tuesday 26 December, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is holding the country’s
first Walk & Talk fundraising event in support of Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Beginning at 11am, Walk & Talk is a relaxed sponsored stroll through the stunning grounds
of the Carmarthenshire attraction.

Members of the public will take a relaxed walk through the beautiful grounds, taking in the
stunning themed gardens and the world’s largest single-span glasshouse. This event will be a great opportunity to raise funds for Beat, whilst meeting new friends, and raising awareness of eating disorders.

Commenting on the walk, Jo Whitfield, Beat National Officer in Wales, said:
“Sufferers of eating disorders face stigma, secrecy and misunderstanding every day.
“At Beat, we know that talking about eating disorders can be difficult. But talking about
eating disorders is vital if we are to remove the stigma and misconceptions often associated with these serious mental health illnesses.

“Furthermore, we know that Christmas and New Year can be an incredibly difficult time for
someone struggling with their eating disorder such as anorexia but also for those with
bulimia or who binge eat.

“It is a time where a lot of the focus is around food, eating together, there’s a lot of it
around. This can cause increased anxiety, pressure and feelings of guilt that people who
suffer from eating disorders can’t ‘join in’ like they hoped.

“For this reason, over Christmas, Beat will be offering help to those with eating disorders
and their families – including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
“Our helpline is open 3pm to 10pm every day, and from 6pm to 10pm on Christmas Day and Boxing Day”.

Walk & Talk events create a safe, open and friendly space for discussing eating disorders,
whilst at the same time raising funds for so we can continue towards our vision of ending
the pain and suffering caused by these serious mental illnesses.

Beat has organised Walk & Talk event around the UK this year and the breath-taking
location of The National Botanic Garden is the perfect place for the first event of this king to be held in Wales.

In the UK at least 1.25 Million men and women of all ages and backgrounds, are affected by an eating disorder. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
At Beat we know a full recovery is possible. A key part of a positive recovery is accessing
treatment quickly. As a champion, a friend and a guide Beat supports thousands of people
every year to make that early step.

To sign up for Walk & Talk National Botanic Garden Wales, simply fill out the online
registration form at: http://bit.ly/2A1LZM7

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact Beat’s Press Office on
01603 753316 or media@b-eat.co.uk / Paul Smith, Education Manager at the National
Botanic Garden on paul.smith@gardenofwales.org.uk or 01558 668768